Home > About Project SAFE > History

Like any college campus across the country, it was perceived at NC State by a number of faculty, staff, and students that a critical educational component regarding sexual orientation was missing on campus, particularly given other attention to various areas of multiculturalism and diversity. With this in mind, the initial idea for Project SAFE was conceived in the Spring of 1996 and presented to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at NC State University. With the Vice Chancellor's approval, the concept was presented to the entire Division the following Fall and a twelve-member Steering Committee was formed, and began meeting in early January 1997 to assess the need on campus and the climate in general, and then to develop a comprehensive educational program. The original Steering Committee defined the mission, goals, and objectives of Project SAFE and developed an educational training program. Steering Committee members continually upgrade, revise, and improve the educational program, and train facilitators to lead training sessions. Most importantly, the Committee plots the course of Project SAFE by strategically planning for future growth, development, and improvement.

In 2003 Project SAFE at NC State began a relationship with the National Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to create a model program for other institutions across the country that need training but do not have a GLBT center/office on their campus. This partnership will continue in the future. HRC will serve as a resource and will provide vital information for the success of Project SAFE, which includes other professional partnerships, program development, and marketing.

According to national estimates, 10 percent of the population is gay or lesbian. Using this figure, there are approximately 3700 gay and lesbian members of the NC State University community. This does not include bisexual individuals. Social research has shown that individuals dealing with issues and concerns of sexual orientation are at a much higher risk of suicide and other self-destructive behaviors. This information demonstrates why it is important that the campus climate is one where gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) individuals feel safe.

Download the Project SAFE Brochure
Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF