The U.S. Forest Service paid over $12,000 for customized "LGBT safe space" training for its staff, according to government contracts.
Employees at Siuslaw and Williamette National Forests in Oregon received the training from a company that specializes in "empowering change agents."
Two separate contracts totaling $12,025 were awarded earlier this year to DRC Learning Solutions, a Portland, Oregon-based company.
The first contract, signed in February and worth $4,975, called for "customized for the FS [Forest Service], LGBT Safe Space training for the Siuslaw and Willamette National Forest Staff." A second contract worth $7,050 was signed in April.
DRC Learning Solutions says its mission is to "incite empowerment and social change through learning experiences."
"Social and environmental change on a large scale requires a concerted effort by many," the company states on its website. "You have initiatives that involve training educators and community members to be agents of change. Determining curriculum that is effective yet streamlined enough to meet your time constraints can be difficult."
The company says it offers team-building skills for "diverse learners."
"Whether you need curriculum designed for technical or soft skills, we can help you meet your training goals," the website states. "Our experts in instructional design have developed award winning training programs in science and mathematics, as well as, team building and cultural competency. We’ll not only produce the just in time learning you need, but you can be assured our methods will be culturally responsive for diverse learners."
The company lists the Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Education among its clients.
"Our clients believe knowledge is the root of all good," the company said.
Requests for comment from the Forest Service on why this training was necessary and what was covered were not returned. DRC Learning Solutions also did not respond to a request for comment.
"Safe space" programs for the LGBT community have become popular on college campuses. For instance, Northwestern University offers safe space training to "educate allies who support LGBTQ individuals in our campus community."
"Unlike more visible under-represented groups, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons cannot be readily identified," the university said. "Likewise, there is no easy method of finding persons supportive of LGBT people. As one component of the LGBTQA Campus Advisory Network, the Safe Space Program strives to provide a way for supportive persons within the University community to prominently identify themselves."