Winona State University is made up of a diverse student body, and the Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Program understands that diversity itself plays a significant role in community. The program offers many different resources for students and faculty to work alongside one another in creating trustworthy connections and guidance.
Offered this month and again in October, Safe Space Training is designed for anyone and everyone looking to become better educated around creating safe spaces for students and faculty, along with learning vital information on access to resources and tools that are offered on campus.
The training tackles difficult topics around violence and bias against those within the LGTBQIA+ community and discusses issues regarding allyship and even understanding proper terminology around gender identity and sexual orientation.
Autumn Patterson, a student employee for the KEAP Center through the Equity and Inclusive Excellence Office, described Safe Space Training as an opportunity for learning critical techniques and setting up goals to raise awareness.
Patterson pointed out that one major goal is to enable students to feel safe holding certain conversations without the fear of anyone speaking poorly about them.
“I think people like to assume a lot that like, people are shoving this information down in their throat,” Patterson said.
Patterson added that it is the responsibility of each individual to initially make that decision to seek further education around these topics. She points out that even if someone within the LGBTQIA+ community already has several trustworthy allies, it is still important to have additional people in their lives who will listen.
When asked about their experiences at Winona State regarding acceptance and security within the LGBTQIA+ community, a couple of students, who wished to remain anonymous, had insightful yet contrasting responses.
One student explained that overall, Winona State is a respectful and accepting atmosphere for those who identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, however it depends on each department and major (Source A).
Another student’s response was different, mentioning that overall, they felt that Winona State could do a better job at creating safe spaces and that only within certain environments did they feel safe (Source B).
Patterson agreed that improvements are always a goal, but they are doing everything they can.
“I think we do the best that we can with the resources we have,” Patterson said. “I think that we’re always working to improve areas and I think improvement is always going to be around.”
Patterson continued to explain how incredibly encouraging it is that there are faculty and students who are not only willing to arrange and promote Safe Space Training on campus, but that there are many willing to attend the training in search of better educating themselves. Patterson is planning to host an event in the KEAP center sometime in October, collaborating with an individual from Queer Space Collective.
There are several places on campus that serve as resources for students. The Integrated Wellness Complex offers many wellness services including counseling. The KEAP center and the Office of Equity and Inclusion advocate for all students. Within Diversity Clubs/Organizations at Winona State, PRISM welcomes students of any gender identity and sexual orientation.
