History

Ball State University is often credited as the first university in the nation to found a campus Safe Zone program back in 1992. Since then, Safe Zone programs have been established on college campuses around the world. In the spring of 2002, two students at The University of Alabama, Eli Strong and Amanda Schuber, started what would go on to become the UA Safe Zone program. These students created a training program that was designed to increase awareness and knowledge of important issues affecting LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff and students.

The UA Safe Zone program eventually became the Safe Zone Ally Training program in use today. In 2014, The University of Alabama opened the Safe Zone Resource Center in Room 2419 of the Student Center. The Safe Zone Lounge opened next door in 2016.