This initiative focuses on education and outreach for those who may not have exposure or knowledge to LGBT issues as well as for those who are members of the LGBT community and/or for those who are already well-acquainted with the issues being faced by the community. Through consistent outreach and education, the office will shape itself to the needs of the community. The office will do this by offering services and programs that keep the community in the loop on the current progression of LGBT rights at the university, local, national, and global level.

Allies Program

The LGBT Allies Training Program for UD employees address issues of homophobia and heterosexism in our culture by creating a network of individuals passionate about and dedicated to helping members of the LGBT community and those interested in learning more about the community.

LGBT Film Series

This annual film series presents recent films and documentaries about and from the LGBT community during the Month of April.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

As part of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Committee, the office has participated in the planning and implementation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month-related activities and events.

Haven

The office has worked with Haven, the undergraduate LGBT student organization, on all areas of its mission. Examples include collaboration and cosponsoring of events including Trans Week, Parvez Sharma, and the LGBT Film Series.

Theatre Department

The office has worked with the Theatre Department in a collaborative effort by promoting LGBT-related Theatre productions and receiving promotional support in return.

Serving as an advocate for the community, the LGBT Community Office offers programs and services that support LGBT community members in times of need and crisis. The Allies Training Program, to launch in Spring 2010, will provide a network of support for LGBT community members in their times of need and will be an advocacy network for individuals in the community who feel they have nowhere else to turn. The office is offered as a safe place to meet and will be a budding resource for those with questions and concerns.

Gender Neutral Bathrooms

The office has worked with Facilities to change single-stall bathroom signs so that they indicate the bathroom is “gender-neutral,” or unisex. For a list of these bathrooms (being updated as more bathrooms change), click above.

Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The office worked with the Vice President for Administration to promote and implement changes to the AA & EEO Policy (4-40), which included the addition of Gender Identity & Expression to the list of protected classes at the University. Changes went into effect January 4, 2010.

A central hub for the LGBT community, the LGBT Community Office will be active in the University and surrounding Newark community to provide guidance and support for organizations and departments. A collaborative unit, the office will work to unify the community and broaden the safety and security offered within its walls to extend throughout UD and Newark. The office will stay active in the current issues of the local, national, and global issues relating to the LGBT community and will be a knowledgeable resource.

LGBT Caucus

The office has participated in discussions related to the revival of the LGBT Concerns Caucus for UD employees.

Gender-Neutral Housing

The office has been working with the University in an effort to propose the idea of offering a gender-neutral housing option for UD students.

Domestic Partner Benefits

The office has been working with the University in an effort to work toward offering health benefits to same-sex partners of UD employees .