Safe "T" Zones

After five years of being inactive the Tarleton Allies Program, better known as the Safe "T" Zone, is being reestablished by Dr. Moumin Quazi, interim director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The program's purpose is to provide a safe zone for students who just need someone to listen.

The focus of Tarleton State University's Tarleton Allies Program is to help any student that is feeling bewildered, excluded, bullied, has questions or just needs someone to listen. No topic is off limits; the goal of the Safe "T" Zone is for the students to feel comfortable in their environment and to be able to say what is on their mind.

There are colored "T"s posted on doors that mark that location as a Safe "T" Zone and the resident of the office or room is an Ally. Quazi said, "An Ally is someone who listens, cares, offers a safe environment and is someone who people are able to come to, to share their pain."

Allies are there to listen and have taken classes to prepare them for certain situations. Though they may not necessarily be able to resolve every problem, they will have a list of resources for the students they are trying to help based on their situation.  

Quazi said it is not only the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's job to make everyone feel at home and in a safe environment, but Tarleton as a whole. Tarleton is promoted as a tolerant, safe and accommodating campus. It is every Texan's job to help others in need.

That is why Safe "T" Zone allies are not limited to a select few, but are any willing on-campus staff members or students interested in helping. The revealing of the Safe "T" Zone will take place on Feb. 27 at noon in the multipurpose room located in the Dick Smith Library. Any volunteers interested in being an Ally or wanting more information on the program should attend.