Hillsborough Community College (HCC) holds a longstanding institutional commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion within our work, learning, and business environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity, care, and respect. HCC promotes access and non-discrimination in employment with regard to the terms, conditions, privileges and benefits of employment, and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including: harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct. HCC also strives to operate in a manner in which all who interact within the College feel welcomed and safe while participating in our programs, services, and activities.
Specifically, HCC makes employment and education-related decisions without regard to race, color, sex, gender, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran’s status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. Further, protected activity (e.g., opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in any complaint process, etc.) while employed or seeking employment, or participating in educational programs and activities such as athletics, admissions, and financial aid are also covered under this policy. Other forms of prohibited behavior under College policy are sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual coercion, sexual abuse, gender-based harassment, stalking (including cyber-stalking), domestic violence, dating violence, any terms that constitute sexual misconduct.
This policy applies to all members of the College community , including: students, employees, volunteers, independent contractors, visitors, and any individual regularly or temporarily employed, studying, living, visiting, conducting business, or having any official capacity at the College. HCC makes every reasonable effort to ensure that all concerned are familiar with its stance and know that any complaint in violation of its rules, policies, and procedures will be investigated and resolved appropriately . Further, this policy applies to conduct occurring on HCC property or at College-sanctioned events or programs that take place off campus, including study abroad and internship programs, as well as at Hawks Landing and The Regent.
This policy does not abridge free speech rights or academic freedom.
HCC’s Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) is the designated department to lead, guide, and ensure compliance with this policy as the right thing to do in addition to expectations based on federal and state laws, and local ordinances which prohibit illegal discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation. When reported or made known to OED, College officials will take prompt, fair, equitable, and appropriate action to correct and discipline behavior in violation of College policy, which may include termination and/or dismissal. Further, any form of retaliation against someone who files a complaint or who participates in the investigation process is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
Should you believe that you experienced any behavior identified above and desire prompt attention, contact Annazette Houston, Chief Diversity Officer, 813.253.7043, via e-mail at ahouston14@hccfl.edu or visit the office at Dr. Gwendolyn W. Stephenson Administration Center (GWSC), 4115 N. Lois Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614.
