LGBTQIA+ Support

Safe Zone Committee 

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

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

Training 

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

• LGBTQ+ Inclusive Policy & Procedure Training (formerly Sensitivity Training) is a 30-minute informational session designed to provide basic knowledge about the LGBTQIA+ community and is mandatory for all new-hire employees.  
• The Ally Workshop offers a more intensive, interactive experience for employees who wish to become allies for LGBTQIA+ 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. 

Discrimination and Harassment 

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. 

Inclusive Restrooms and Locker Rooms 

 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. LEARN MORE » 

In keeping with Harford'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. 

Harford'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 
• Fallston 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, Harford is committed to including at least one all-inclusive, single-user restroom in new buildings and in buildings undergoing full-scale renovations to the extent feasible. 

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. 

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, employees are reported to the Human Resources Office, and visitors are reported to Harford Community College Public Safety. 

HCC Title IX Coordinator - Approved 12-2-16