UNT’s 1999/2000 Pilot Ally Program

UNT’s Ally Program

Goals

Equity and diversity goals at UNT include, among others:

1. Help UNT develop and maintain an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment for all students, faculty and staff regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, disabled veteran status or veterans of the Vietnam era status;
2. Provide a welcoming environment for everyone, to include going beyond mere compliance with the law;
3. Expand people’s awareness of diversity and equity, as well as multiculturism; and
4. Address issues of discrimination and harassment.
   

Introduction

A group that has historically felt unsafe has been those students, staff, and faculty who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (GLBT). The need has existed for conspicuous "safe places" for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students, staff and faculty to go to when they need to talk to someone in confidence about issues, questions, fears and concerns. Students, staff and faculty often have fears of disclosing information about themselves, with this being especially true for GLBT community members. There are specific programs for various student, staff, and faculty groups at UNT, including the ally program, which is offered through educational institutions worldwide, to assist GLBT and other persons. Programs at other universities may be known as safe space or safe zone programs.

Ally Program

Given the higher rate of suicide among GLBT youth and the increasing number of violent incidents in society directed towards this group, a special program is warranted. It is a priority of the university to create a safe environment or university in which all people may study and work. Many universities, both public and private, have adopted a safe zone or ally program that allows a group of allies to publicly acknowledge their office space, or work area, as a place of safety. Iowa State University’s safe zone information states that the safe zone or ally sticker is seen on hundreds of college campuses in the United States and internationally. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are more than 300 universities and colleges, including public institutions, which have safe zone or ally programs. People who identify as GLBT often do not feel safe in many campus areas to talk about grades, work, etc., because they fear they are not well received if they are "out" or are suspected of being GLBT.

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is respected throughout the United States for its safe school program, which has been implemented system-wide by the Intercultural Relations Department. DISD’s policy on racial/ethnic/religious/gender/sexual orientation harassment, clearly states that harassment and discrimination are not tolerated, whether by or between students, staff and faculty. As many universities are currently doing, DISD provides sexual orientation sensitivity training to faculty and staff, and openly hires GLBT faculty and staff. As an example, the University of Nevada - Las Vegas’ Student Services office is very committed to a GLBT ally program. The university plans to provide training for the Student Services staff, as that group comprises the "front line folks" who need to make sure they are not discriminating against GLBT students based on perceived characteristics to possibly include attitude and appearance.

A safe zone or ally program does not only represent a place where people come to talk. Many times the safe zone or ally program is symbolic of a desire to sensitize the culture with tolerance as an initial goal. It is possible an ally may never have a person stop by. Perceptions that people want to talk about sex are not founded, when in reality they just want to feel safe.

With the start of fall semester 1999, both undergraduate and graduate students learned about UNT’s ally program. Many students expressed gratitude and/or offered assistance in support of the program. A member of Delta Lambda Phi, who is gay and a sophomore from Lubbock, Texas, shared that he feels safe at UNT, but would not feel safe at Texas Tech University, based upon knowledge and experience.

Many of today’s GLBT college students have already "come out," even during high school where there may have been identified allies and programs for GLBT students. Therefore, today’s GLBT college students are often coming to the university with different expectations than those of their predecessors.

UNT Ally Program Plaque

Safe zone and ally programs, offered through educational institutions worldwide, assist gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and other persons. The Design Works staff of the University Union developed an ally program logo, as shown below.

Beneath the logo is printed the following:

Ally Program
University of North Texas

The ally respects all people regardless of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

All UNT employees and students are expected to be respectful of equity and diversity. The person displaying this identification has completed ally training and has pledged to listen and be understanding.

UNT Background Information

The university has taken steps, including those listed below, to create a welcoming environment for everyone, including GLBT members. A university-wide ally program is a logical step in that effort.

• UNT is an institution with "…a history of seeking to preserve an atmosphere of openness and tolerance. This university is committed

to maintaining an unpretentious and accepting atmosphere welcoming to anyone who will strive to achieve his or her personal best." (1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog, p.7.)

• Through the years there have been several UNT employees who have posted ally or safe zone stickers by their offices, and the results have been very positive for those wanting someone to talk with confidentially, to feel safe and to not be judged. The UNT employees, non-GLBT persons who have served as allies, are willing to share their experiences of helping an often fearful student; of receiving telephone calls from parents who thank them for providing a safe and understanding environment for their son or daughter; and, meeting with students and their parents to talk about important issues.
• Inclusion related to sexual orientation is currently being taught in numerous courses on campus, such as managing a diverse work force.
• The Student Ethnic Enrichment Center serves students of different ethnic backgrounds, but not specifically GLBT university members.
• Students, often student leaders, go to the Division of Equity and Diversity, or Housing and Residence Life, or talk to Courage or Delta Lambda Phi advisors, about questions such as:
• Where do GLBT students go if they have concerns or questions they want to share with a UNT representative?
• Is there support for GLBT programming at UNT, i.e., student organizations seeking sponsors for special events?
• Courage and Delta Lambda Phi are the two official UNT student organizations, with Courage open to all GLBT students and allies and the fraternity open to all men, regardless of sexual orientation. Both student organizations are now very active on campus and in the community. They often co-sponsor university-wide events with other UNT organizations and offices, as well as community organizations such as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
• The Department of Housing and Residence Life employs a Diversity and Community Coordinator who offers diversity programs to resident hall assistants and residents, which includes GLBT information. A form of safe zone or ally program has been in existence in UNT’s residence halls for several years as a result of student interest and need. This program continues to grow in Housing and Residence Life, with additional training planned for the 1999/2000 school year.
• The North Texas Chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) leaders and facilitators are supportive of GLBT persons and allies. The North Texas Chapter of NCBI is part of an international organization dedicated to ending mistreatment of every group. NT-NCBI offers training programs, consultations, and intervention strategies that promote greater understanding and appreciation of diversity and build bridges of cooperation among all people.
• At the Matthew Shepherd vigil held at UNT fall semester 1998, hundreds of UNT community members, including administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as Denton citizens, came to campus to show their support of the GLBT community and to make a statement against hate crimes.
• Denton County Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is very active, and includes UNT employees. This organization has submitted a letter documenting support of UNT’s GLBT ally program. The "Denton County PFLAG newsletter" is distributed to allies via e-mail, and contains excellent information. Kathy Massey of Denton County PFLAG has been wonderful in providing brochures to allies, the letter in support of UNT’s ally program, and unbelievable contacts in the Metroplex supportive of the work underway at UNT.
• Presently, several UNT academic departments are including sexual orientation within the diversity statements in faculty recruitment ads.
• To promote a welcoming atmosphere to all at UNT, the inclusion of sexual orientation is in the Division of Equity and Diversity handout distributed during new employee orientation sessions.
• The focus of an increasing number of UNT faculty members’ research is on GLBT-related issues.
• Numerous featured speakers on campus are openly gay or lesbian, and are leaders in their professions, with national and international recognition for their professional achievements.
• Numerous vendors contracted by UNT, represent leading national corporations with visible philosophies of celebrating diversity, to include sexual orientation.

Allies

An ally is simply a person who has information, sensitivity and understanding towards GLBT issues. The ally program plaque immediately identifies allies to university members, which is important, because many GLBT persons are fearful that simply requesting a list of allies through university channels would cause them to disclose their orientation, and they may not be comfortable doing so. The ally program plaque displayed in offices and work areas identifies people with GLBT information, caring attitudes for all persons, and signifies confidentiality as allowed by UNT policy.

UNT Allies

Allies are not advocates and will not take advantage of a person who is in a vulnerable situation. Allies often are not GLBT persons. Regardless of their sexual orientation, allies have a sincere interest in equity and diversity issues for all persons. They may be a parent, relative or friend of a GLBT person. If an ally happens to be GLBT, it is extremely important to understand that the ally does not have to disclose his/her sexual orientation, even during training sessions, unless he/she wants to. For many persons it is very difficult to openly talk about their sexual orientation with others, particularly when the trust factor is not known.

Allies are prepared to be non-judgmental as a result of participation in training sessions and must be able to keep information confidential when requested to do so, and adhere to UNT policies in regard to confidentiality issues. They are good listeners and are available and

civil to students, staff and faculty. Allies will share with others that UNT policy states allegations of sexual harassment must be reported, as well as, allegations of discrimination and harassment.

UNT allies understand their names will be included on a list of UNT’s GLBT allies eventually given to interested persons during orientation sessions including freshmen orientation, faculty orientation and employee orientation. Allies will be prepared to handle questions and possible criticism. The proposed format for UNT’s ally list will be similar to that of other public universities, by listing the ally’s name, department and office location. The list will also eventually be available in the Division of Equity and Diversity, Student Ethnic Enrichment Center, Student Development Office, Housing and Residence Life locations, as well as other offices across campus. The list will eventually be made available to counselors and advisors.

Numerous research studies indicate that approximately 10% of the population is GLBT. At UNT that would factor to approximately 3,000 university members. It is believed that GLBT persons who are also persons of color or who have disabilities represent groups where members face tremendous adversity, often on a daily basis. As an example, the specific programs offered at other public institutions are often designed to meet the needs of diverse individuals.

Background History: UNT and other U.S. Universities

A group of approximately ten interested persons assisted in planning the proposed UNT ally program. This group of ten individuals first met February 1999 and was comprised of faculty and staff from different areas on campus, including the Division of Equity and Diversity, University Union, Student Development, Human Resources, Housing and Residence Life and Public Affairs and Information Services. In addition, student leaders from Courage and Delta Lambda Phi were invited to attend.

At a March 1999 meeting, Priscilla Tate, an Associate Dean from Texas Christian University (TCU), and advisor to TCU’s Triangle GLBT student organization, met with the team to share information on TCU’s ally and safe zone program. Dr. Tate also provided information on SMU’s GLBT ally program. Interested persons may secure Texas Christian University’s information and information on the ally/safe zone programs at SMU, University of Texas – Austin, Texas A&M University, and other U.S. universities, in UNT’s Division of Equity and Diversity.

Resource information, including website addresses, has been gathered, and is provided to allies. This information entitled Ally Program Website Resource Information (1-17-00) may be copied for allies and others to share. Additional resource examples include PFLAG brochures, and eventually contacts for those wanting information from non-GLBT persons affiliated with different religious beliefs, who are also sensitive and open to talking with GLBT persons and their allies.

November 1998, the University of Michigan’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs conducted a brief safe space/safe zone survey for GLBT persons. The survey was completely confidential. This same assessment tool was given to UNT’s Courage members on the evening of April 7, 1999. The students enthusiastically supported the program, knowing that GLBT students, staff and faculty would have a safe place to talk with an ally. Some students indicated they had similar programs in their Metroplex high schools. Almost all the students asked how they could work as an individual in support of the Division of Equity and Diversity in achieving its goals.

Iowa State University has a very successful and extensive GLBT ally and safe zone program, and has recently completed an extensive evaluation of the program. The data has been examined to determine awareness of the program by all persons on campus, attitudes about the project, and the effects of the program on the university climate. The results are available at http://www.public.iastate.edu/~clund/safezones/research.html

An extensive campus climate survey on GLBT concerns was performed by the Oregon Survey Research Laboratory. Refer to http://www.darkwing.uoregon.edu/~osrl for summary information.

The Washington State University gay and lesbian safe zone program may be accessed at http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~chr/discrim.htm

UNT’s pilot ally program training, took place on the UNT Campus Spring 1999, and included a 3-hour ally and safe zone session conducted by a Florida International University administrator. In addition, an extensive 6-hour workshop on diversity, equity, and GLBT issues was conducted by two national NCBI facilitators. The NCBI workshop supports UNT’s commitment to promote a multicultural campus climate that truly values diversity and builds a sense of community. All three workshop leaders are known nationally for their expertise in GLBT diversity training and community and coalition building.

Whit Hollis, University Union Director at Florida International University - North Campus, conducted the first ally training and information session at UNT free of charge. Key points from Whit Hollis’ presentation included the following:

• Educational process of initially sensitizing the corporate culture to at least a level of tolerance;
• The GLBT ally/safe zone sticker helps to reduce the "shock" effect of dealing with GLBT issues in the effort to at least achieve tolerance during the process of sensitizing the corporate culture;
• Goal is to establish a welcoming and open environment for all; this is a productivity issue where possibly 3,000 persons at UNT will have the opportunity to feel better about themselves;
• Placing the ally program certificate by an office door is less shocking than one may think. Questions create educational opportunities;
• There are many examples of universities that include sexual orientation in the non-discrimination policy, even though sexual orientation protection may not be part of a state law. Many university presidents believe protection against discrimination is important for all students;
• When a GLBT student, staff or faculty member walks by an office or work area with an ally program certificate, it is empowering to them to observe this level of support;
• The sticker is not about sex;
• Many allies may never have someone come into their office to talk about sexual orientation issues. Allies often spend minimal time with persons stopping by to talk. The interaction is similar to questions educators, counselors, and advisors typically receive from others on campus who are seeking information or want someone to talk with;
• GLBT allies are expected to increase their knowledge about sexual orientation issues on a regular basis;
• There are often funding opportunities from human rights organizations at local, state or national levels for university GLBT safe zone and ally programs. The Division of Equity and Diversity anticipates pursuing funding opportunities;
• Many high schools in the United States provide protection for GLBT students, staff and faculty;
• Marketing of the GLBT ally program is needed each year, as the university receives new students, staff and faculty. Programming is key, as well. It is expected and planned that UNT’s student organizations will become involved with this effort;
• Being an ally is not about religion. However, allies can give reference information appropriate for the needs of the person talking with them, should the individual make such a request;
• The ally program provides a safe space to talk to someone with questions about sexual orientation – empathy and friendship are established. Interactions could be:
• "I think my roommate may be a lesbian;"
• "My parents are getting a divorce because my father is gay."
• A student questioning his/her own sexual orientation.
• Allies often become mentors for others; and,
• When a counselor is needed, the ally can make this referral as is often done by faculty, counselors and advisors.

In Spring 1999, 24 staff and faculty members were trained to be allies. Due to demand from approximately 25+ prospective allies, an all day ally training program was held at UNT August 25, 1999, where an additional 25 persons completed ally training. Facilitators were UNT GLBT allies trained as facilitators for the NCBI "Welcoming Diversity/Prejudice Reduction" Workshop. The August training schedule included the following:

• What is the Ally Program?
• Growing Up Gay and Lesbian" video
• NCBI Ally Workshop

If potential allies missed one of the training sessions in March or April 1999, they were able to complete the appropriate make-up session on August 25, 1999.

A third ally training workshop was requested by academic counselors, degree program advisors, and others, who were not available to attend the August 25^th workshop. The third workshop was held September 24, 1999, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the University Union room 412. Consequently, there are now 68 persons at UNT who have completed ally training. The next ally training workshop will be conducted April 7, 2000, in preparation for the 2000/2001 school year.

August 31, 1999, a campus-wide e-mail message was sent to faculty and staff announcing the September 15, 1999, information update session and the September 24, 1999, ally training workshop. September 8, 1999, flyers were sent via campus mail to approximately 6,000 UNT employees, including part-time and student employees. Persons interested in training as allies were asked to contact the Division of Equity and Diversity, even if they could not attend the workshop on September 24, 1999. Several campus-wide announcements, via Groupwise e-mail or flyer distribution, on ally events have taken place fall semester 1999 and spring semester 2000.

At the conclusion of the initial pilot program training, and after a year of program operation, an evaluation will be completed in order to plan ally training to be conducted after spring semester 2000. It is hopeful that a time in the future, using the format of the University of Illinois – Urbana – Champaign, and Florida International University, a letter will go out to all faculty and staff explaining the UNT ally program, and inviting them to train as an ally. Many universities, including the University of Texas – Austin and Texas A&M University, ask allies to sign a letter of agreement which defines the ally’s role.

Training and Campus Programming Opportunities

To maintain ally status, allies need to attend at least two presentations on GLBT issues per year to be coordinated by the Division of Equity and Diversity. UNT’s Division of Equity and Diversity will coordinate monthly programs, to include sack lunch sessions for allies, students, and others to attend as often as schedules allow. Examples of programs for allies and prospective allies to attend during the 1999/2000 school year include:

• August 26, 1999, 12:00 noon, UNT University Union, Room 412

Counseling Services information/confidentiality and policy information – Judith McConnell, Dianne Berg, and Dan Emenheiser. Thirty-one allies attended this required update session.

• September 15, 1999, 8:00 p.m., UNT University Union, Golden Eagle Suite A

Presentation on UNT GLBT history, by Dr. Edra Bogle, Associate Professor, Department of English. In addition, allies had the opportunity to meet with student leaders and members of Courage and Delta Lambda Phi. Approximately 70+ faculty, staff and students attended this program.

• October 20, 1999, 12:00 noon, UNT University Union, Room 412

Counseling Services information/confidentiality and policy information – Judith McConnell, Dianne Berg, and Dan Emenheiser. Approximately 30 allies attended this required update session.

• November 9, 1999, 7:30 p.m., UNT University Union, Golden Eagle A

"PFLAG parent panel: gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, sons and daughters." Approximately 15 persons, including allies, students and guests, attended this update session. Program sponsors included: Courage, Division of Equity and Diversity, UNT Ally program, University Union, College of Arts and Sciences, North Texas Chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), Denton County Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG), and Delta Lambda Phi Alpha Tau Chapter.

• December 2, 1999, 12:00 noon, UNT University Union, Room 418

Dr. Harry Benshoff, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Radio, TV, and Film, and ally, gave a presentation entitled "Queer Theory and Queer Film." Approximately 55 persons attended this update session, including allies, students and other persons on campus.

• February 7, 2000, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., UNT University Union Lyceum

Keith Boykin, a former special adviser to President Clinton, will conduct a thought-provoking program at the Third Annual University of North Texas Equity and Diversity Conference on Feb. 7.

Boykin, who is known as one of the nation’s foremost commentators on issues of race and sexual orentation, will give a special evening presentation, titled "One More River to Cross: Black and Gay in America," from 7 to 9 p.m. in the University Union Lyceum. This presentation is free and open to all interested persons. However, participation in the conference requires registration. Contact the Division of Equity and Diversity for conference registration details, at (940) 565-2456.

A Harvard-educated lawyer and popular lecturer, Boykin is the author of several books and numerous articles. His highly acclaimed book "One More River to Cross: Black and Gay in America" (Doubleday 1996) is the basis for his public presentation at UNT. He also wrote "Gay Men at the Millennium" in 1997 and his newest book, "Respecting the Soul: Daily Reflections for Black Lesbians and Gays" was published in March 1999.

In his role as special assistant and director of specialty press for President Clinton, Boykin was the highest-ranking openly gay person to work in the White House. There, he helped organize and participated in the nation’s first meeting between gay and lesbian leaders and a U.S. president.

Boykin also will address conference attendees on "Race Issues on College Campuses: Achieving Inclusiveness" at the conference. This presentation will be given from 9:40 – 11:00 a.m., with a book signing from 11:50 a.m. – noon.

Throughout the conference, numerous allies will be presenting poster presentations on topics including the ally program, meeting the housing and residence life needs of today’s diverse students and contributions of international students.

Book Signing

Lyceum Lobby, Union, Level 3, 6:00 - 6:45 pm

Receive a 10% discount for purchase of books from the UNT Bookstore

Program sponsors: Division of Equity and Diversity, Courage, UNT Ally Program, University Union, UNT Fine Arts Series, Delta Lambda Phi Alpha Tau Chapter, Housing and Residence Life, University Program Council, and North Texas Chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI)

 

• March 23, 2000, noon – 1:00 p.m., University Union, Room 413

"Spouse panel"

• March 30, 2000, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., UNT University Union Lyceum

Presentation entitled, "GLBT issues, the Bible and World Religious" will be given by Rev./Dr. Mona West and Rev./Dr. Bob Goss.

• April 7, 2000, 12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m., UNT University Union, Room 417

Ally training - UNT faculty and staff may register by calling the Division of Equity and Diversity at ext. 2456 or by sending an e-mail to Dan Emenheiser at emenheiser@unt.edu. Additional information is available in the Division of Equity and Diversity, 121 Admin. Bldg. New classes are forming for those who cannot make this one. Interested persons should call to get your name on the list.

• April 13, 2000, 12:00 noon, University Union

Counseling Services information/confidentiality and policy information - Judith McConnell, Dianne Berg, and Dan Emenheiser. Allies who have not previously attended this session, need to plan to participate in this required ally update session.

• April 20, 2000, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., University Union Lyceum

"Celluloid Closet"

Film showing, with introduction and discussion led by Dr. Harry Benshoff, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Radio, TV and Film.

Co-sponsor is University Program Council.

• April

Gay and lesbian history presentation by Kathryne McDorman, TCU professor.

• May

The "coming out process" by Reverend Colleen Darraugh, Harvest Metropolitan Community Church, Denton.

Interested students, potential allies and members of the community may also attend ally information update sessions. The events will be listed on UNT’s video calendar and Event Calendar at www.unt.edu/events.

Ally programs are now often included in the newsletters of local organizations. Examples include the Denton County PFLAG newsletter, as well as the one for Harvest Metropolitan Community Church. These programs are open to all.

In addition to completing the day long ally training workshops and UNT monthly ally information updates, allies are currently working on the following action items to be implemented and/or considered for the 1999/2000 school year:

• Ally program website (completed fall semester 1999 and updated regularly)
• Ally program website resource information (updated 1/17/00).
• List of GLBT books to be submitted to UNT libraries for purchase and inclusion in the library (completed fall semester 1999; purchase of requested and available books, is in process)
• Press release with request for assistance from PAIS to be sent to newspapers, including campus newspaper, and other appropriate media. (completed for presentations to be given at UNT, 2/7/00, by Steve Birdine and Keith Boykin). The ally program and other GLBT – related UNT events, have received considerable Metroplex newspaper coverage in 1999 and 2000, to include the North Texas Daily.
• Information sheet to post across campus announcing ally program

(completed; to be improved upon, i.e., attractiveness of flyer and increased distribution of flyer)

• Information sheet listing allies with contact information … various offices and counselors on campus will be given the sheet to distribute to interested persons (appearance of information sheet to be improved and then distributed)
• Speaker teams … to be available to share information on the ally program to any and all interested groups and offices on and off campus (available upon request to allies). As an example, the program noted below was presented by 5 allies to 42 UNT Resident Hall Assistants who elected to participate in the 3-hour workshop.

Sexual Orientation – Resident Assistant Dialogue

Monday, January 10, 2000

9:00 a.m. – noon, Bruce Hall, UNT

Gloria Bahamon Rodney McKenzie|
Multicultural Affairs Administrator Diversity and Community Relations Coordinator
Division of Equity and Diversity Housing and Residence Life

Dan Emenheiser Kathryn Cullivan Gould
Equal Opportunity Officer Assistant Dean
Division of Equity and Diversity College of Arts and Science

CC Carter
Graduate Student Assistant
Division of Equity and Diversity

• Establish inclusion for interested allies on several different GLBT listserves, including national ones from ACUI, NGLTF, HRC, LGTF, GLAAD, etc. (several allies subscribe to such listserves, with information often shared with other allies)
• Eventually a simple brochure for distribution at orientations and other information or training sessions (to be done)
• Produce buttons illustrating ally program and logo (completed and distributed to allies fall semester 1999)
• Successful, continual marketing of ally program (completed and on-going, as there are new persons on campus each semester)
• Successful identification of and application for grants to cover expenses to be incurred by the ally program, to include training, development of educational materials and sponsorship of national speakers for campus-wide UNT events and programs (in process by Division of Equity and Diversity)
• List of UNT courses, which address sexual orientation and gender issues (to be done)
• List of speakers on GLBT issues, which will be provided to interested faculty (to be done)
• External counselor list, which includes counselors supportive of GLBT persons and allies (document to be completed)
• List of GLBT persons and non-GLBT persons affiliated with different religious beliefs, who are also sensitive and open to talking with GLBT persons and their allies (document to be completed)
• Development of brochure on the "coming out process." It is planned that allies complete this project spring semester 2000, with representatives of UNT’s Counseling Services.

An example of a professional organization supportive of diversity, including students, staff and faculty who are GLBT or allies, is the Association of College Unions International, which held its 79^th annual conference in Dallas, Texas, March 21-24, 1999. UNT staff members are actively involved in this organization, including involvement with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered concerns committee (chaired by Mary Finley, UNT University Union Marketing Director and UNT ally) and the committee on multi-ethnic programs. Eleven diversity sessions were offered at the conference including:

1. "The allies’ guide to advising GLBT student organizations";
2. "Starting and managing a safe zone program on your campus";
3. "The death of Matthew Shephard: management of a tragedy".

(Administrators from the University of Wyoming presented this 3-hour workshop.)

Interested persons may secure a copy of the handouts from these sessions by stopping by UNT’s Division of Equity and Diversity, Room 121, Administration Building.

One of the keynote speakers at the conference was Keith Boykin, a gay African American attorney, consultant, speaker and author. His keynote presentation was entitled "One More River to Cross: Black and Gay in America." Mr. Boykin also led a 3-hour presentation entitled, "Race Issues on College Campuses."

Additional professional organizations for university Student Life professionals, which offer support for GLBT knowledge and information include:

• National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) offers twelve network preferences for its members, one of which is Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Issues.
• American College Personnel Association (ACPA) offers a Standing Committee for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Awareness.

Continued educational programming at UNT will be a critical step of the process to include featured speakers such as Keith Boykin, Jane Ellis, and Shane Windmeyer. Fall semester 1998, Ellis, originator of the brown eyes and blue eyes experiment in the 1960’s after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., spoke to a packed audience for three hours in the Silver Eagle Suite, University Union. Spring 1999, Windmeyer, author of Out on Fraternity Row, lectured in the Golden Eagle Suite. Both events were co-sponsored by numerous UNT organizations.

Delta Lambda Phi’s national conference was held on the UNT campus July 16-18, 1999. There were approximately 50 fraternity members on campus at that time, with a banquet held Saturday evening, July 17, in the Silver Eagle Suite, University Union. The keynote speaker was Texas State Representative Glenn Maxey. His presentation included an overview of important issues on the recent hate crimes bill debate, building community relationships, and examples of experiences he has encountered during his career. Mr. Maxey has agreed to return to UNT in 2000 to speak to a larger UNT audience.

The Sixth National Convocation of the Reconciling Congregation Program (RCP) Proclaiming Jubilee was held at UNT July 29 – August 1, 1999. The Reconciling Congregation Program (RCP) is a national network of United Methodist churches, campus ministries and individuals who publicly welcome the full participation of all persons regardless of sexual orientation.

This sixth national convocation, Proclaiming Jubilee was a celebration of the RCP’s 15^th anniversary. Approximately 500 United Methodists and others, including UNT allies, participated in this event. Reverend Michael S. Piazza, senior pastor at Dallas Cathedral of Hope, the world’s largest GLBT church, attended the conference and agreed to return to UNT as a speaker in 2000.

UNT has not received negative communication based on the two GLBT-related conferences held July 1999 at UNT. There were nearly ten articles, many of which were front page or included in the religion section in Metroplex newspapers. In addition there was TV and radio coverage, increased visibility on campus, etc.

Achieving and Maintaining Tolerance at UNT

It is very important that all persons with administrative responsibilities are at least tolerant and preferably accepting of the ally program and that support, without fear of ridicule, be given to faculty and staff who want to be allies.

Tolerance must be achieved and maintained at UNT along with programs to realize this goal. UNT supports the GLBT ally program with its major objective being to help create a safe and healthy environment for all faculty, staff, students and guests.

Discrimination and harassment at UNT are not acceptable. Instances of alleged discrimination and harassment should be reported to the Division of Equity and Diversity and/or the appropriate supervisory or administrative office.

The University’s mission (1999/2000 undergraduate catalog, page 4) "supports a culturally diverse environment and advocates mutual respect for all members of the university community as they strive for excellence."

The University’s Diversity Statement (1999/2000 undergraduate catalog, page 7) states the following:

• "UNT possesses and values an increasing diversity among the individuals who make up its community. This is one of UNT’s greatest strengths."
• "Harassment based on individual differences is inconsistent with UNT’s mission and educational goals."

It is anticipated that clarification of UNT’s non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation with the other protected classes will be pursued by Division of Equity and Diversity staff, and others representing various offices across campus. This change is expected to be proposed during upcoming years. Allies consider an ideal plan to be similar to that recently undertaken at American University, Washington, D.C., whereby the university updated and simplified its non-discrimination policy to explicitly mention sexual orientation as a protected category. Morningside College, Iowa, recently cross-listed the inclusion of sexual orientation in all appropriate university publications, such as faculty and staff handbooks, student orientation guides, etc.