As a state university, ASU is committed to ideological neutrality. It does not discriminate based on politics or religion. It is inclusive for liberal as well as conservative students and employees. Except when it isn’t.
ASU has something called “Safezone” training. Below is an image where it describes what it teaches. It purports to teach employees that there are more genders and sexual identities than employees personally believe in. It claims to dismantle homophobia and transphobia. None of that sounds neutral. All of it seems to step over the bounds in requiring employees to subscribe to a specific ideology.
“Homophobia” and “transphobia” are terms used to insult anyone who, for scientific or religious reasons, believes that there are two genders and that persons cannot change from one gender to the other. If you believe, based on the science, that a person is born XX (woman) or XY (man), and that no matter what you do to your body you cannot change from XY to XX, then you are termed a “homophobe” and “transphobe.”
This sounds more like how a private religious university might handle its faith statement. A state university cannot have a faith statement or creed that is required for employment. Why does ASU? If this is just one view at ASU, where is the alternative training about the scientific and religious views on the other side?
Parents and students should be aware that this is what ASU teaches its employees and will be taught in the classroom. Legislators, can you help us?
I personally believe that this is reprehensible., but to clarify - is this part of mandatory training? It says "workshops available upon request". Thank you.
I am a teacher and recognize this “safe zone” language also. Several teachers have rainbow signs on their doors that read “Safezone”. It is thought to be inclusive but it’s the exact opposite just as you stated…it’s indoctrination to one side!