A Safe Contacts Policy gives schools a way to ensure that students know to whom they can turn for sensitive problems. The principal can distribute or read the policy to students early in the year and ask teachers to post it in classrooms, or a team of educators and students that includes the designated safe contact persons can take it to classrooms. The words of one North Carolina teacher and sponsor of a gay/straight alliance are applicable to many subjects that seem too sensitive to discuss: "As long as we continue to talk about gay and lesbian issues in hushed voices, kids who need information won't get it." (see also Establish School Policies that Promote Equity and Respect.)

As you know, here at Cobblestone High we take the issue of respect for all students very seriously. If any issues of harassment or prejudice should arise during the year, we want to be able to deal with them immediately. We hope that students will feel comfortable reporting problems to any teacher or administrator, but we know that, in some situations, reporting bias incidents can be difficult.

We want all students to know that there are safe contact people to whom they can turn if they are harassed or if they need confidential information. The following teachers have had training to deal with special issues in a confidential manner: Mr. Don Lowe and Ms. Gloria Harris - matters related to race, ethnicity, country of origin, appearance, or mental or physical abilities; Ms. Juanita Arias and Mr. Gregory Youngblood - matters related to sex, sexual orientation or religion.