In February 2005, the University of Rochester College Republicans launched the Political Safe Zone campaign in an effort to make the University a more politically accepting environment. Below is a copy of the letter respectfully sent to the faculty, staff, and administration of the University.
To Whom it May Concern:
A college campus is a place where all persons, regardless of political orientation, should be able to freely and openly express their views without fear of reprisal or intimidation. Unfortunately, the climate of debate on most American college campuses, including the University of Rochester, falls far short of this ideal.
All members of our university community deserve to know that they can speak their minds openly and honestly, whether they are in the public square or on the University of Rochester campus. The first step toward achieving this goal is to create a campus environment that embraces intellectual, ideological, and political diversity.
In order to ensure that all students can feel comfortable sharing their views, the University of Rochester College Republicans are launching the Political Safe Zone Campaign. We are encouraging faculty, staff, and students to participate in this campaign by displaying the attached "Political Safe Zone" sticker on their doorway.
By participating in the Political Safe Zone Campaign, you will be demonstrating your commitment to unfettered discussion and debae both inside and outside the classroom. In addition, you will be taking a stand in support of the intellectual tolerance and diversity of thought that is essential to the advancement of human knowledge.
Previous "Safe Zone" style campaigns on our campus and elsewhere have been successful in expanding opportunities for once marginalized groups to share their thoughts and ideas freely and comfortably. No matter your political orientation, we hope you will participate in the Political Safe Zone Campaign and encourage discussion from all view points across the University community.