Support for LGBTQ+ Students

Mission

The Safe Zone Committee was created to improve the campus climate and promote equity for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) students, staff and faculty by:

1. Providing education to students, staff and faculty that raises awareness about issues facing the LGBTQ+ community (heterosexism, cisnormativity, harassment, etc.),
2. Developing a network of allies who have been trained in LGBTQ+ issues and care about the emotional, social and physical well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, and
3. Serving as an advisory board for LGBTQ+ issues on campus, particularly as it relates to advocating for sensitive and inclusive practices and policies.

Video by Julia Schmalz, The Chronicle of Higher Education. September 3, 2015

We believe that a campus environment that celebrates differences in sexuality, sexual identity and gender identity is beneficial to the entire HCC community. For more information about Safe Zone, please contact committee co-chairs Kurt Doan and Jennifer Spencer Heilman.

Committee Members

Contact information is provided below.

Training Offerings

The Safe Zone Committee offers two types of educational sessions for the HCC community:

Sensitivity Training is a 30-minute informational session designed to provide basic knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community and is mandatory for all new-hire employees. All employees are invited to sign up for sessions on the Employee Training Calendar.

The Ally Workshop offers a more intensive, interactive experience for employees who wish to become allies for LGBTQ+ individuals. During this 3-hour workshop, participants are provided with more complex information, important resources, and brainstorm solutions to scenarios that were specifically developed to address experiences at Harford Community College. Employees must complete the 30-minute Sensitivity Training prior to attending. Sign-up for this workshop is on the Employee Training Calendar.

Harford Community College Ally Listing

Looking for an ally? You’ve found one! The 'Safe Zone' sticker (shown above) designates an employee who has completed a 3-hour Ally Workshop and is interested in being a resource for LGBTQ+ people here at HCC. The following employees have completed the workshop:

* = Safe Zone Committee Member | ** = Safe Zone Committee Co-Chair

Inclusive Restroom and Locker Room Statement

1. It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of Harford Community College that all students, employees, applicants, and other persons dealing with the College will do so in an atmosphere that is free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information or any other status protected by law. This policy includes, but is not limited to, decisions about recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, social or recreational programs, academic opportunities and enrollment.
   
   As part of its commitment to non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity, the College prohibits harassment of any kind. The College will not tolerate harassment by anyone-- supervisors, other employees, students, contractors, or other persons under control of the College.
2. In keeping with HCC’s policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression, every individual has the right to choose which restroom and locker room to use based on their gender identity and comfort.
   
   • Gender Identity is one's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. See: http://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-terminology-and-definitions
3. HCC’s goal is to both follow federal and state guidelines and provide a safe and inclusive environment for every person on campus. To that end, an all-inclusive, single-user restroom is available in most buildings on campus. There are many reasons a person would choose to use an all-inclusive, single-user restroom. For example, these restrooms are not gender specific, ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, provide privacy when assisting children and dependents, and allow for personal space and more privacy. Specifically all-inclusive, single-user restrooms are available in these locations:
   
   • Bel Air Hall (Main Hallway)
   • Belcamp
   • Chesapeake Center (by Kitchen)
   • Darlington Hall (2nd Floor by 215A)
   • Edgewood Hall
   • Joppa Hall (North end near rooms 14 & 15)
   • Maryland Hall
   • Observatory (in lobby)
   • Student Center (lower level, back hall near Globe)
   • Susquehanna Center (near pool)
   
   Additionally, HCC is committed to include at least one all-inclusive, single-user restroom in new buildings and in buildings undergoing full scale renovations to the extent feasible.
4. No person can be forced to use a restroom or locker room that does not fit their gender identity, nor can they be forced to use an individual restroom or alternate facilities when others are not required to do so. However, we strive to provide options for privacy for all people. Any action against a person who is using a restroom or other facility cannot be based on their gender expression or gender identity or perceived gender expression or identity. Signs in each building provide information about all-inclusive, single-user restroom locations within buildings.
5. Restrooms and locker rooms can be a source of discomfort for everyone, not just transgender people. It is crucial that we ensure that all people are safe in the College’s facilities. Anyone misusing locker rooms or restrooms (e.g., to look at members of the opposite sex, or someone trying to look in or access an occupied restroom or stall) must be addressed and reported, as these are behavioral issues and are unrelated to providing people access to the facilities that match their gender identity. Students are reported on the Report Form for Code of Conduct Violation/Concerning Behavior at https://publicdocs.maxient.com/incidentreport.php?HarfordCC, employees are reported to the Human Resources Office, and visitors are reported to HCC Public Safety.

HCC Title IX Coordinator - Approved 12-2-16

Local / Regional Resources

• BWMT Baltimore: (groups.yahoo.com/group/BaltimoreBWMT) Multiracial support group.
• Equality Maryland: (www.equalitymaryland.org) Fights for LGBT civil rights.
• Freestate-Justice: (https://freestate-justice.org/)
• Gay Life: (www.baltimoregaylife.com) Maryland’s LGBT community newspaper.
• LGBT Community Center of Baltimore & Central Maryland Groups: (www.glccb.org)
  
  • Gender Identity Group / Tran*Quility: Support and social groups for transgendered persons
  • Mixed Company: Support group for young adults ages 20-30 years old.
  • Rainbow Youth Alliance: Support for LGBTQ youth, ages 13-19
  • Women of Color: Program for Lesbian and bisexual women of color.
• Hearts and Ears, Inc.: (www.heartsandears.org) For LGBT people with mental health issues/concerns.
• PFLAG Chapters: Local chapter of the Parents and Friend of Lesbians and Gays.
  
  • Baltimore County: www.facebook.com/PFLAGBaltimore
  • Bel Air: www.facebook.com/Pflagbelairmd
  • Chestertown: www.facebook.com/pflagmues
• Rainbow Alliance: Harford Community College’s LGBTQ registered student organization (club). The group meets regularly; for more information please stop by the Office of Student Activities or visit our webpage (Student Activities).

National Resources

• ACLU's Get Busy/Get Equal: (www.aclu.org) Information and resources to improve the lives of LGBT people.
• Atticus Circle: (www.atticuscircle.org) Dedicated to educating and mobilizing straight allies to advance equal rights for lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender partners, parents and their children.
• COLAGE: (www.colage.org) COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parent/s.
• GLSEN: (www.glsen.org) Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Organization for students, parents, and teachers that works toward creating positive change in school systems.
• Human Rights Campaign: (www.hrc.org) America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.
• PFLAG: (community.pflag.org) Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National is the umbrella organization for PFLAG chapters across the country.
• Straight Spouse Network: (www.straightspouse.org) An international organization that provides personal, confidential support and information to heterosexual spouses/partners, current or former, of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender mates and mixed-orientation couples for constructively resolving coming-out problems.
• Trans Family: (www.transfamily.org) TransFamily provides support, education, advocacy, and outreach for the transgendered community, families, friends, partners, and allies of all ages, through meetings, presentations, seminars, media outreach, and an emergency resource hotline.
• Trans Lifeline: (www.translifeline.org) Trans Lifeline is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of transgender people. The hotline is staffed by transgender people, for transgender people. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support needs members of the community might have.