Safe Space Program
Napa Valley College is committed to providing a campus environment that is a safe place for all students to learn and for staff to work. As a college community, we value inclusivity and respect for others. In October of 2011, the Safe Space Program was launched to support, in particular, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) students, because of some of the unique challenges they face. Recent studies show that 70% of LGBTQ students consider leaving college during their first year because of bullying, harassment, and fear. LGBTQ youth are 4 times more likely than their straight peers to attempt suicide because of the bullying, harassment and rejection they experience.
Our Safe Space Program is based on two nationally recognized models including the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and the former National Youth Advocacy Coalition programs. The foundation of our program is a comprehensive training for allies who include Napa Valley College teachers, support staff, administrators, and students. Napa Valley College offers this training nationally to colleges and universities online via Canvas.
The Safe Space logo seen on the upper right side of this page was updated in 2021. It features use of the “Gilbert Baker” font in the “Safe Space” title. Mr. Baker created the original rainbow flag in 1978 while living in San Francisco. The font was created following his passing. The logo also features the “progress flag” created by artist Daniel Quasar in 2018, which builds on the original rainbow flag created by Gilbert Baker. The black and brown stripes represent marginalized LGBTQ communities of color. The pink and light blue stripes originate from the transgender pride flag and represent non-cisgender people. The chevron represents progress and forward movement.
The goal of our program is to create a safe environment in all corners of the campus in order to promote student success throughout all of the programs offered by the college.
Campus LGBT Advocate:
Pursuant to California Education Code Section 66271.2, the Napa Valley College Board
of Trustees has designated a point of contact for the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender faculty, staff and students for the District.
Greg Miraglia
707-256-7710
gmiraglia@napavalley.edu
What is a Safe Space Program? A Safe Space is designed to create a welcoming and safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) students. National studies show that LGBTQ students currently experience bullying and harassment daily while at school and they are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. There is a direct correlation between students feeling safe and welcome on campus with student retention and persistence.
What Does The Safe Space Symbol Mean? The Safe Space logo features use of the “Gilbert Baker” font in the “Safe Space” title. Mr. Baker created the original rainbow flag in 1978 while living in San Francisco. The font was created following his passing. The logo also features the “progress flag” created by artist Daniel Quasar in 2018, which builds on the original rainbow flag created by Gilbert Baker. The black and brown stripes represent marginalized LGBTQ communities of color. The pink and light blue stripes originate from the transgender pride flag and represent non-cisgender people. The chevron represents progress and forward movement.
What Is An Ally? An ally is an individual who speaks out and stands up for a person or group that is targeted and discriminated against. An ally works to end oppression by supporting and advocating for people who are stigmatized, discriminated against or treated unfairly. An ally can be anyone regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Allies can be teachers, support staff, administrators, or students.
Why Step Up To Be An Ally? All students are at risk of being bulled or harassed for any number of reasons. You visibility and support of these students can make a significant difference in their success here at Napa Valley College. You may be the reason a student decides to stay in school instead of dropping out.
Who Can Participate? Any member of our campus community can be part of the Safe Space Program. You can participate as an individual or your entire office can get involved. The program is open to faculty, support staff, administrators, and students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
What Is Required To Be Involved? Participation in the Safe Space Program is entirely voluntary. Anyone on the campus can participate. The first step is to complete the Safe Space Training Program. This training can be accomplished entirely online and is free of charge. Once the training is completed, graduates will receive a certificate and Safe Space Program sticker or window decal to display. Your name and work location will be displayed on this website so that students can find you.
Why Is Training Required? The issues, challenges, and struggles facing LGBT students can be largely invisible just as are many members of the LGBT student body. It would be unfair to assume that every well-intended member of our community is fully prepared to support LGBT students without providing the wealth of information available from our two model programs. Being an effective ally requires that you be well informed.
What Does The Training Include? The course includes four modules that are designed to address the following four learning outcomes.
- The student will explain the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity.
- The student will define terminology used to describe sexual orientation and gender identity.
- The student will identify ways to create an inclusive classroom and campus space for LGBTQ students.
- The student will identify key moments in the LGBTQ civil rights movement.
Most people can complete the online version of the training in three to four hours, but you can spend as much time exploring the optional resources provides as you wish. At the end of the course, you will take a quiz that will make you eligible for a Safe Space Training Certificate.
Ready To Enroll? Enrolling in the Safe Space Training Program is easy and you can begin at any time. If you prefer a face-to-face experience, please contact the Teaching and Learning Center on campus for a schedule of trainings.
Napa Valley College is fully committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all students to learn and for all staff to work. We recognize that there are many different identities on our campus and many different ways in which these identities intersect. Sexual orientation and gender identity are two aspects of identity that are often not visible and are aspects of identity that individuals may not feel comfortable disclosing.
Our college community has taken many steps to support LGBTQ students and staff that you should know about. We are proud to have earned 4 stars out of 5 on the Campus Pride Campus Climate Index, a national index of measures for how colleges and universities support LGBTQ students and staff.
The purpose of this page is to inform you of the services and facilities that are available on campus that directly support and relate to students and staff identifying as part of the LGBTQ community. These initiatives have been selected and implemented based on best practices used at colleges and universities around the country. We are committed to continous improvement and will always consider new ways of better supporting all students and staff.
Bullying Policy
Napa Valley College has a "zero tolerance" policy for any kind of bullying, intimidation, or discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These prohibitions are detailed in Section II (f) and (g) of the Student Code of Conduct and Napa Valley College Board Policy. Click Here To Read The Student Code of Conduct.
Demographic Surveys
Periodically, the college surveys students to determine various aspects of their identities. You may see questions asking you to identify your sexual orientation and gender identity on forms such as the College Application For Addmission, climate surveys, and employment application. This information is always kept confidential and is used to help us determine the best services and programs to offer LGBTQ students. We recognize that many students are not ready to disclose this information and so these questions will always be optional, but we strongly encourage you to let us know you are on campus by providing this information so that we can best serve you.
Gender Inclusive Restrooms
There are several gender inclusive restroom facilities on campus. These are single-use restrooms open to all students and staff. You will find them on the map below or go to a larger Google Map.
Health Center
Our Health Center, located in building 2250, offers a wide range of services for students including STI and HIV testing and mental health counseling. The Health Center staff are trained and ready to serve LGBTQ students.
LGBT Book Collection
Napa Valley College is proud to host the largest LGBTQ book collection in Napa County. The collection is available directly to students in the McCarthy Library (building 1700). The collection includes over 400 titles relating to a wide variety of LGBT topics.
LGBT Studies Program
Napa Valley College offers an accredited LGBT Studies Certificate Program. This 18-unit program of study offers students a wide range of elective courses on LGBT specific topics. Click Here To Learn More About The LGBT Studies Program.
Queer Student Alliance (QSA)
The Associated Students of Napa Valley College support the Queer Student Alliance organization. This student club typically meets weekly and offers LGBTQ students and allies the opportunity to network, discuss issues, and to participate in a variety of social and educational events produced and supported by the club. New members are always welcome. Click Here To Learn More About The QSA.
Safety Space Program
The Safe Space Program provides training to Napa Valley College staff and students
on how to best support LGBTQ people. It includes a 2-hour training program and signage
that can be displayed in offices, work areas, and classroom spaces. LGBTQ students
who are looking for supportive staff and faculty who have received specialized training
should look for the Safe Space signage.
For more information
Campus LGBT Advocate
If you are a member of the LGBTQ community or an ally who would like to know more about how Napa Valley College supports LGBTQ students and staff or if you have a concern or challenge and don't know where to go, please contact our Campus LGBT Advocate for assistance.
Greg Miraglia
707-256-7710
gmiraglia@napavalley.edu