Why have you chosen to change the name of the program from Project Safe Zone to Project Ally?

Several people have felt the name "Safe Zone" or "Safe Space" implies the existence of unsafe spaces. The purpose of this project is to educate Allies and bring an invisible issue to light by providing a tangible sign of support, not to divide the campus into safe and unsafe zones.

Does this program impliy that Colby has a problem?

Colby College does not have any more issues with sexuality than society at large. The presence of Project Ally sends a clear message to the Colby community, prospective students, and alumni that this institution wants to prevent future problems with discrimination and heterosexism.

Do Allies really need to be trained?

For GLBITTQ persons, an Ally is someone who shares their cause, connects with them, supports them, and learns from them. Actively being an Ally may involve planning and /or attending educational programs, "being there" to listen and assist students who experience discrimination and intolerance, and/or actively combating heterosexism and homophobia.

Statement: "A former UNE President objected to Project Safe Zone because he thought that 'in a climate of political correctness, those who did not display the emblem will be, by implication, bigots.'"

Reply: Project Ally is a completely voluntary program. No judgement is made about individuals who choose not to participate. Displaying an emblem indicates that a person is participating in Project Ally. However, if a person does not display an emblem, there is no assumption of lack of support. Also, the committee plans to make buttons with the Project Ally Symbol for those who don't wish to attend a training, but do want to show their support.

Is the Bridge sponsoring this project?

Although the Bridge Board of Directors supports Project Ally, it is not a club undertaking. Project Ally was developed by a coalition of faculty, staff, and students in order to allow Allies to have a more visible and tangible way to show their support for GLBITTQ issues.