Hello.
Over the past few months,
news media outlets
have exposed allegations
of many men in high-level positions
engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior,
including sexual assault.
We've also heard
the voices of many women and men
who have bravely shared their
personal stories as
survivors of sexual harassment
through the #MeToo movement.
It would be naive of me to think that any
organization as large and complex as HACC
is immune to misbehavior,
sexual or otherwise.
We are not.
We are however aware of the impact
this type of behavior
has on the survivors and
the college community.
It is for this reason
that we take allegations of sexual harassment seriously,
investigate them promptly and thoroughly,
and take the best course of action
for resolution.
As employees you should:
Familiarize yourself with HACC's policy related to the
prohibition of harassment and
the college's zero tolerance approach to harassment.
Be familiar with your role as a responsible employee of the college.
And be aware of employee obligations pertaining to policy adherence.
These obligations include:
acknowledging receipt of the harassment policy,
participating in training on the policy, and serving as a mandatory reporter
in matters of harassment.
Training on the policy is provided to new hires in new
employee orientation and to all other employees online on a routine basis.
Students can find out about information on Title 9 and preventing sexual
harassment by going to page 44 of the student handbook.
Title IX is also discussed at New Student Orientation and referenced on
course syllabi and can be found at
HACC.edu/titleix.
We provide you with information about
what sexual harassment is, but I want to be clear about what you
should do if you believe you have experienced harassment or are a
bystander to sexual harassment. If you are a student and you believe you have
experienced sexual harassment or you, as a bystander,
have observed what you believe is sexual harassment, please contact one of the
names on the screen.
Please pause this video so you can
take note of their contact information.
If you are an employee and believe you have experienced sexual harassment or
have observed what you believe is sexual harassment, please contact one of these
individuals from HACC's Office of Human Resources.
Please pause the video again
so that you can take note of their contact information
If you believe yourself to have experienced sexual harassment,
please speak up.
Processes are in place to help you.
If you are a bystander, someone who
overheard inappropriate language, witnessed inappropriate touching or
physical conduct or viewed inappropriate texts or emails, but was not necessarily
the target of the harassment--speak up an tell one of the contacts identified
earlier.
There may be others who have witnessed similar events, but were too
afraid to come forward, made excuses for what they saw or just didn't feel like
it was their place to get involved. If you are afraid the college does not
retaliate nor does it tolerate retaliation against someone who files a
complaint. If you're not sure that your experience meets the definition of
sexual harassment talk to one of the individuals listed earlier they will
listen and ask clarifying questions. If you don't want to get involved you
should know that all employees, you and me are considered to be mandated
reporters when it comes to harassment. All employees students and guests of
HACC have the right to work, learn and carry out their responsibilities in an
environment free from all forms of harassment in accordance with federal
and state laws. Please bookmark this video so you can refer to it should you
need it in the future.
Please remember, if you see something, say something.
Thank you