Fostering Inclusion through the Safe Pledge

In 2019, findings from the Diversity Engagement Survey indicated that over 11% of respondents identified as LGBTQ+, yet there was a lack of institutional support for this community. Dr. Stephanie White, who served as our associate dean for diversity and inclusion at the time, took action by establishing the LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee within the College of Medicine (COM). This committee was tasked with exploring ways to make College policies and procedures more inclusive for faculty, staff, and learners. One of their initial endeavors was the introduction of the Safe Pledge, which was launched in Fall 2020.

While employed at UK HealthCare, Emily Conley, previous member of the Corporate Communication team had the opportunity to encounter the Safe Pledge while recording an episode of The Loop Podcast with Tukea Talbert and other hospital leaders. In April 2023, Emily transitioned to the campus side and noticed that the Safe Pledge appeared to be primarily utilized by hospital and clinical staff at UK. She made it her duty to ensure that all campus staff, faculty, and students who wished to demonstrate support and be recognized as Safe individuals had the opportunity to do so. With the backing of her new leadership team in the Auxiliary Services Department, Emily collaborated with the LGBTQ office at the Gatton Student Center and connected with the College of Medicine team that spearheaded the original campaign.

Thanks to the efforts of Glenn Means III, Associate Student Program Director for the LGBTQ Resource Center, and Emily Conley, Marketing Communication Specialist for Auxiliary Services, the Safe Pledge has now been officially launched on the campus side. Emily reflects, "My experience at UK HealthCare provided valuable insights into our organization's goals and DEI initiatives. As someone who aligns with the LGBTQ community, it was essential to me that students and staff felt acknowledged and could easily identify individuals they could turn to in case of crisis or personal concerns. This initiative, whether through wearing a badge, using an email thumbnail, or signing the pledge, is not about labeling individuals but fostering a sense of community and creating a safe space."

Information about the pledge can be found through the LGBTQ Center or the Gatton Student Center. Badges can be obtained from the LGBTQ Center or the Student Administration suite at the Gatton Student Center. Glenn, the Center’s director, adds, “Taking the Safe Pledge is more than a statement; it's a commitment to fostering a campus culture where everyone, regardless of their identity, is nurtured and protected. It is the recognition that higher education is not merely about accumulating knowledge, but about cultivating empathy, understanding, and respect for all. By taking this pledge, we affirm that every LGBTQ student has the right to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that is not merely accepting, but truly inclusive and affirming."