In late April 2016, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent, Dr. Larry Nyland; Seattle Mayor, Ed Murray; and Seattle Police Chief, Kathleen O’Toole launched a partnership to provide Safe Places in all 98 Seattle Public Schools.

The Safe Place strategy aims to increase awareness of discrimination and hate crimes, and provide protection for victims of harassment. Started as an initiative with local businesses and neighborhoods, this program is expanding to provide safe and secure places within public schools. In particular, this strategy seeks to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth. On hand at the Safe Places launch were staff members from Garfield High School and Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) members.

To learn more about Safe Places and the SPS partnerships, visit the Seattle Police Department website.