HCC Title IX task force report

1. Title IX Task Force
Report
Creating a Culture of Gender-Based Safety
2017

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Dear Dr. Maldonado,
It has been a privilege to serve as chair of the 2017 HCC Title IX Task Force. Thanks to the members
of the Title IX Task Force for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that HCC provides a safe
environment that supports success for all members of the HCC Community. Domestic and intimate
partner violence, stalking, and sexual misconduct are difficult issues that impact the lives of
individuals throughout our society. I believe that the recommendations put forth in this report provide
outstanding guidance for moving forward and improving services to our students. These
recommendations also affirm HCC’s commitment to maintaining a workplace and educational
environment free from sex- and gender-based violence and discrimination.
Sincerely
Antrece L. Baggett
Faculty Associate Chair, History
Chair, HCC Title IX Task Force

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
OVERVIEW 4
1. PREVENTION & AWARENESS 8
Develop branded communications plan
Implement primary & ongoing prevention programs
Develop a strategy to engage men
Provide quarterly update reports to senior administration & board members
2. PARTNERSHIPS & SUPPORT 12
Ensure 24/7 access to advocacy services
Require Title IX resources in all course syllabi
Create peer-based campus organizations
Develop a victim advocate program
3. EVALUATION & FEEDBACK 15
Develop & implement Campus Climate survey
Implement mobile engagement & feedback app
Conduct physical area audit of all campuses
4. EDUCATION & TRAINING 17
Incorporate Title IX information into course curriculum
Implement required training for all full-time and adjunct faculty
Require training for all campus student organization participants
5. LGBTQ INCLUSION 19
Establish an institutional LGBTQ Diversity Resource Group
Develop LGBTQ-focused awareness communications
Incorporate transgender awareness into D&I and Title IX training
Update HCC IT systems & physical environment
CONCLUSION 23
DEFINITIONS 25
REFERENCES 29

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INTRODUCTION
All students are guaranteed equal access to education, and that access must not be compromised by
sexual discrimination. In cases of sexual misconduct, this means that institutions of higher education
are responsible for enacting measures that ensure the opportunity
for full academic engagement in a safe campus environment.
On January 5th,
in the 2017 White House Task Force Report on
Sexual Violence, Vice-President Joe Biden called on college and
university presidents, chancellors and senior administrators to step
up their work in ending campus sexual assault.
National attention tends to focus on sexual misconduct on
residential four-year university campuses. As a community college
HCC’s scope touches every corner of the greater Houston area.
Although, our challenges differ, the focus on keeping our students,
staff, faculty and communities safe is a shared priority. Sexual &
Intimate Partner Violence, and Stalking (SIPVS) and sexual
misconduct are not just individual actions; these violations impact
the entire institution as well as the community at large.
This Title IX Task Force report provides recommendations and guidance to ensure that HCC remains
in compliance with federal laws (Title IX, Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and
Campus SaVe Act), and creates a culture of campus safety.
When college presidents and
chancellors truly commit to
ending the scourge of sexual
violence in institutions of
higher education, they set the
highest example of what we
expect from students, faculty,
and administration. And so I
send this message to our
college and university leaders:
Your leadership matters. And
your actions reverberate
across the nation, indeed
around the world.
- Vice President Joe Biden, 2016

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OVERVIEW
THE CHARGE
On November 1, 2016, the HCC Title IX Task Force was charged to make recommendations to
ensure that students, faculty and staff at HCC are safe and free from gender-based discrimination,
sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual misconduct. Under Title IX, VAWA and the Clery Act,
HCC is required to provide:
• Programs and the disclosure of those programs related to the prevention of dating violence,
domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
• Primary prevention and awareness programs for incoming students and employees
• Ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for students and employees
• Annual training for officials
Campus SIPVS issues are complicated, multi-dimensional problems without quick or easy solutions.
In order to provide the proper focus on these issues, the HCCS Office of Institutional Equity
empaneled the Title IX Task Force to provide recommendations addressing the following areas:
1. Preparedness—review existing and recommend enhancements for data gathering, reporting
and training
2. Prevention & Communications--a plan to enhance HCC’s ability to educate faculty, staff and
students to create awareness, reduce instances of violence, and create allies
3. Response & Recovery--establish on- and off-campus support networks, services and
resources to aid victims in healing

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OVERVIEW
THE TEAM
The Title IX Task Force members were appointed based on their knowledge, and experiences
working with students, faculty, staff and the community as well as their passion for the subject. The
Task Force was initiated on November 1, 2016, and continued meeting throughout 1st
quarter 2017.
Task Force sub-committees were assigned to focus on the specific areas of Prevention & Awareness;
External Partners & Internal Support; Education & Training; and Evaluation & Feedback.
Executive Sponsor:
E. Ashley Smith, General Counsel
Administrative Sponsor:
David Cross, Director, EEO Compliance, Office of Institutional Equity
Task Force Chair
Antrece Baggett, Faculty Associate Chair, Instruction-History
Task Force Support
Jami Woods, Program Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity
Dr. Cephas Archie, Program Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity
TASK FORCE MEMBER TITLE AREA
1 Sheryl Ballard Faculty Instruction-History
2 Darin Baskin Faculty Academic Student Success
3 Barbie Brashear Executive Director Harris County Domestic Violence
4 Matias Garza Dean, Student Development Office of the President, Southwest
5 Kendrick Gibson Program Manager Minority Male Initiative
6 Meyoshi Green HCC Graduate Student
7 Troy Jefferson Program Director, Recreation Campus Life
8 Mahnaz Kolaini Lead Counselor Counseling
9 Mazy Lewis Police Officer HCCS Police Dept.
10 Y. Nicole Montgomery Assistant General Counsel General Counsel
11 Dr. Scott Rinker Director Student Affairs
12 Karrie Seay Sr. Partner Talent Relations Talent Engagement
13 Angel Wright Office Manager Internal Audit

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OVERVIEW
THE RECOMMENDATIONS
The following is a summary of the recommendations which are detailed within this report.
Prevention & Awareness
Make information widely available to students, faculty and staff about on-campus and off-campus
resources. This may include web-accessible information, social media campaigns, printed fliers, and
placing relevant information in campus rest rooms, on the back of student IDs, and other places,
making it as easy as possible to access the information.
• Develop branded communications plan
• Implement primary & ongoing prevention programs
• Develop a strategy to engage men
• Provide quarterly reports to senior administration & Board of Trustees
Partnerships & Support
Ensure external & internal services and accommodations are responsive to the needs of HCC’s
diverse student body, including LGBTQ students, students with disabilities, students of color,
undocumented students, English learner students, international students, students studying abroad,
and others.
• Ensure 24/7 access to advocacy services
• Require Title IX resources in all course syllabi
• Create peer-based campus organizations
• Develop a Victim Advocate program
• Develop an institutional database of community partners
Evaluation & Feedback
Assess and survey the institution in order to provide informed feedback for all current and future
prevention and response efforts, and to identify improvements to institutional responses to campus
sexual misconduct.

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OVERVIEW
THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONT’D
• Develop & implement Campus Climate Survey
• Implement mobile engagement & feedback app
• Conduct physical area audit of all campuses
Education & Training
Provide prevention education and training for college administrators at all levels, campus law
enforcement and security, faculty, staff, and students on Title IX, Title IV, and Clery Act obligations,
bystander intervention, and a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual misconduct.
• Incorporate prevention & awareness topics into course curriculum
• Implement required training for all full-time and adjunct faculty
• Require training for all campus student organization participants
LGBTQ Inclusion
As valued members of the HCC family, LGBTQ constituents play an integral role in cultivating the
inclusive and unique culture and climate we are nationally known for. Focusing on students first, we
are charged with establishing and maintaining a safe academic environment where all can learn and
grow without fear of retaliation; regardless of ones gender, sexual orientation or identity.
• Create an institutional LGBTQ Diversity Resource Group
• Develop LGBTQ focused awareness communications
• Incorporate transgender awareness into D&I and Title IX training
• Update HCC IT systems & physical environment
Implementation
To ensure proper oversight and accountability the Title IX Task Force recommends that appropriate
resources be designated for the implementation of the recommendations within this report.
• Designate a full-time Title IX coordinator
• Impanel an ongoing Title IX Oversight Committee

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PREVENTION
& AWARENESS
The Clery Act, enacted in 1990, has included a requirement for colleges and universities to provide
prevention programs to improve awareness regarding sexual harassment and misconduct on campus.
The Campus SaVe Act expands requirements for primary prevention and awareness programming by
focusing on strategies to end dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Primary
prevention is defined as programming and strategies intended to stop sexual and intimate partner
violence before it occurs through the changing of social norms and other approaches. Awareness
programming is defined to mean programs designed to communicate the prevalence of intimate
partner violence including the nature and number of cases reported at each institution in the
preceding 3 calendar years. This act also connects fulfillment of these requirements to the institution’s
eligibility to participate in the Federal Financial Aid program.
CURRENT STATUS
• Campaigns including awareness communications and programs have been designated for
Domestic Violence Month (October), Stalking Awareness Month (January), Teen Dating
Violence Month (February) and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April). Campus Safety
Month (September) has not been consistently recognized
• Bystander intervention strategies as specified in the Campus SaVe Act are included in HCC
required training for new students and employees
• Information on intimate partner violence reporting at HCC is currently communicated through
the Clery Report
• There is a lack of coordination within and between departments that impacts the ability to
effectively communicate, develop, and implement programs and activities

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PREVENTION
& AWARENESS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Prevention and awareness elements of the overall Title IX strategy serve to: (1) create a community
“buzz” around violence prevention efforts, (2) introduce basic concepts and increase awareness of
Title IX and (3) reinforce messages of the bystander intervention and other training to engage the
campus in the prevention of SIPVS and sexual misconduct incidents.
1. DEVELOP A BRANDED COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Develop a branded comprehensive communications plan that incorporates traditional, social,
and multi-media channels targeting students, staff and faculty. The plan should create and
reinforce positive changes in skills, behaviors, and social norms by providing repeated
exposure to consistent prevention and education messages and programming. The
communications plan should include:
• An annual communications timeline that includes all HCC activities and related
community partner prevention, education, and training programming
• Visual elements such as poster placement in common and private areas including
campus rest rooms, classroom buildings, on the back of student IDs, and other places,
making it as easy as possible to access the information
• Social media marketing campaigns utilizing internal and external channels such as
HCC Student Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc… to communicate information
• A branded SIPVS website that is separate from the HCC Title IX website
• Utilize mobile technology app to provide awareness, reporting, contact, support and
other information
2. IMPLEMENT PRIMARY & ONGOING PREVENTION PROGRAMMING
To adhere to the requirements of both the Clery and Campus save acts and avoid potential
penalties HCC should strengthen its prevention programming efforts by:
• Create structured process and procedures to improve collaboration between Centers of
Excellence, campus, and departments throughout HCC in order to enhance OIE’s

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PREVENTION
& AWARENESS
RECOMMENDATIONS CONT’D
ability to coordinate programs, increase student participation, and ensure compliance
with governing legislation
• Establish a process between OIE and campus departments & organizations to develop
prevention programs for designated monthly recognitions
• Incorporate Bystander Intervention training into new and existing prevention programs
that can teach bystanders how to safely intervene in instances where an incident may
be occurring or where there may be risk
3. DEVELOP A STRATEGY TO ENGAGE AND SUPPORT MEN
Current prevention strategies typically address women and girls as victims or potential victims
and portray men as perpetrators or potential perpetrators. Special efforts need to be made in
order to partner with men as part of HCC’s prevention efforts. HCC also needs to ensure that
services are available to respond to men who are victims of SIPVS. This can be accomplished
by:
• Establishing a campaign to engage men as allies to make them part of the solution by
teaching young men about healthy relationships, and the importance of treating women
with respect, in an effort to reduce violence against women
• Seek Federal Govenrment and other funding for programs designed to engage men to
end domestic violence and sexual assault (i.e.-Consolidated Youth and Engaging Men
Program Grant)
• Establish partnerships with new and existing community partners with a focus on
developing young men
• Provide male-specific response training for counselors and first responders so they are
equipped to handle issues and sensitivities related to male victims

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PREVENTION
& AWARENESS
RECOMMENDATIONS CONT’D
4. PROVIDE QUARTERLY UPDATE REPORTS AND PRESENTATION TO
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION & BOARD MEMBERS
HCC has an obligation to provide awareness & prevention education to administration and
board members as well as to publicly share data related to reported cases. Establishing a
standing agenda item for these items gives SIPVS issues visibility, demonstrates support and
meets regulatory requirements.

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PARTNERSHIPS
& SUPPORT
Survivors should be provided with the assistance and support that is necessary to ensure that they can remain
enrolled, meet academic standards, obtain necessary health services, and maintain social relationships. HCC
has a responsibility to ensure that support services are provided in response to SIPVS and sexual misconduct
occurring either on-campus or involving HCC students, faculty or staff. Community-based organizations provide
critical services needed by students, faculty and staff that HCC does not provide (e.g. emergency shelter,
medical treatment, advocacy, accompaniment to medical examinations or reporting to police) and are vital
components of HCC’s response efforts.
CURRENT STATUS
• HCC has ongoing relationships with various community-based organizations throughout the
greater-Houston area that provide mental health, counseling and other support services for
students.
• OIE works in collaboration with administration and faculty to provide reasonable
accommodations such as schedule changes, excused related absences, academic support
and tutoring, course withdrawals, and other services deemed necessary for the student to
continue pursuing their education in a safe environment.
• There are various internal and external mechanisms in place as part of complaint reporting
processes available to students, faculty and staff including:
o EthicsPoint, a 24/7 HCC Hotline for Ethics and Compliance operated by an
independent third party company that encourages the reporting of violations of ethics
and also any violation of HCC policy or the law.
o HCC Title IX Website
o Office of Institutional Equity Complaint Line
o Maxient Student Conduct Reporting System

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PARTNERSHIPS
& SUPPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Task Force recommends the following enhancements to current external partnerships and
internal support services provided by or through HCC.
1. ENSURE 24/7 ACCESS TO ADVOCACY SERVICES
Existing complaint mechanisms do not adequately meet the needs for students to be
immediately connected to internal and/or external resources after experiencing a trauma. .
Therefore, it is recommended that HCC establish a live-answered 24/7 hotline through an
external third-party partner. The number should be communicated to all students, faculty and
staff
2. REQUIRE TITLE IX RESOURCES BE INCLUDED IN COURSE SYLLABI
Modify existing EEO statements currently required for faculty to include in course syllabi.
Modifications include the addition of internal and external resources for students to obtain
information or victim services related to gender-based violence
3. CREATE PEER-BASED CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS
A best practice at many institutions is to establish a peer-based organization focused on
prevention and awareness communications related activities and support to victims. A
Campus peer-based organization would serve to:
• Develop collaborations with campus organizations dedicated to raising awareness and
prevention of gender-based violence through coordination of campus prevention and
awareness activities such as discussion groups and Take Back the Night events
• Create an atmosphere at HCC where all students know how to communicate their
concerns, look out for each other, intervene when necessary, and feel encouraged to
have healthy and safe relationships
PARTNERSHIPS

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& SUPPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS CONT’D
4. DEVELOP A VICTIM ADVOCATE PROGRAM
The victim advocacy program will provide confidential advocacy and support to students and
employees who may be victims of gender-based violence. Internal and external advocates can
help explain reporting options and procedures, answer questions, advocate for
accommodations and accompany victims during meetings, interviews and other internal
proceedings.
• Implement process for identifying internal and external advocates
• Identified advocates must receive required education and training prior to rendering
services
• Create a curriculum course for ongoing Peer Advocate education and training
5. DEVELOP AN INSTITUTIONAL DATABASE OF ALL COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIPS
There is currently no comprehensive database or other singular repository that contains
information on all of the external partnerships to which HCC has entered. Information stored
within individual department and organizations prevents HCC from being able to fully leverage
existing partner benefits. An institutional database allows for the ability to:
• Evaluate to identify gaps in gender-based violence prevention and response services
• Identify potential collaborative partnerships and program funding sources
EVALUATION

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& FEEDBACK
As attention to Title IX related issues has grown, the need for campus climate surveys has increased
in recent years. It is important to continually assess the campus climate related to SIPVS and overall
campus safety. The key is to continually monitor what is working, and likewise, to understand when
programs are not working. Ultimately, these evaluation efforts will help demonstrate success and
identify areas for improvement when reporting campus statistics to the government.
Campus climate surveys are used as effective tools providing necessary information to increase the
efficacy of the existing policies and procedures and introduce solutions to the problems facing our
educational institutions. Both the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
and the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights have identified campus climate surveys as
best practices.
CURRENT STATUS
• Currently, there are no formalized gender-based violence or Title IX specific institutional
surveys or mechanisms in place to obtain feedback data
• Student Life & Recreation is in the process of having a mobile app tested for implementation
that can be used to obtain program event data
• The process to collect departmental and organizational data related to prevention programs
needs improvement
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following Task Force recommendations will assist HCC in obtaining data through evaluation tools
such as climate surveys and other feedback mechanisms that measure and demonstrate change in
reporting patterns, incidence or prevalence, attitudes, behaviors, perceptions, and program outcomes.
EVALUATION

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& FEEDBACK
RECOMMENDATIONS CONT’D
1. DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A CAMPUS CLIMATE SURVEY
Meaningful data is required to craft effective and precise policies, procedures, and
interventions to address the Title IX incidents. Effective preventive, judicial, and restorative
interventions require an accurate and data driven understanding of our campus climate.
• Conduct a pilot survey utilizing the free campus climate instrument and module for schools
developed by the U.S. Department of Justice for schools to conduct climate surveys
• Assemble an evaluation team specifically to develop and implement the survey and also to
develop the plan to communicate the results
2. ENHANCE THE REPORTING PROCESS TO COLLECT TITLE IX
PREVENTION PROGRAM AND EDUCATION DATA FROM CAMPUS
DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The current process to identify programs, attendance, and other information does not yield
timely or effective information. As this information is required and reportable to federal
agencies it is imperative that HCC has the ability to collect accurate data.
• Utilize mobile engagement & feedback app to promote prevention programs and
track program attendance
• Push polling function allows for enhanced ability to conduct surveys and obtain
feedback to evaluate programs & events for Clery Act and other required reporting
3. CONDUCT PHYSICAL AREA AUDIT OF ALL CAMPUSES
Recent studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between the perceived safety of
students and the physical environment such as the lighting, the availability of emergency
phones, cameras in the parking lots, the visibility of police officers on campus, etc...

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EDUCATION
& TRAINING
Education and training strategies that effectively equip and engage the campus community in
increasing their awareness, understanding and skills related to the prevention of SIPVS. Education
increases awareness and provides the campus community with information about campus policies,
procedures, reporting options, and campus and community resources. Education, however, is not
sufficient as a stand-alone strategy for reducing violence. It is important that training content includes
elements of cultural competency to strengthen responses to diverse populations on campus (e.g.
LGBT students, immigrants, students with disabilities, international and study abroad students).
CURRENT STATUS
• HCC currently provides Title IX education via web-based and in-person training to students,
faculty and staff
• Additional formal Title IX training is only provided to 1st
Responders
• Although not required as a part of any course curriculum, there are some instructors that utilize
campus-based SIPVS programs to provide related education to their students
EXISTING HCC TITLE IX TRAINING
STUDENTS FT
FACULTY
STAFF
ADJUNCT
FACULTY
ADMINISTRATORS 1
ST
RESPONDER
CAMPUS
POLICE
WEB-BASED TRAINING X X X X X X X
GENERAL NEW EMPLOYEE
ORIENTATION
X X X X X X
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION X
AD HOC X X
1
ST
RESPONDER X
COLLEGE LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM
X
EXEC. COLLEGE LEADERSHIP
PRGRAM
X
BYSTANDER AWARENESS X X X X X X X

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EDUCATION
& TRAINING
RECOMMENDATIONS
Education and training opportunities, both mandatory and optional, should be provided for specific
audiences beyond what is included in new employee and new student orientations. The following
recommendations include ongoing awareness & prevention and bystander intervention.
1. INCORPORATE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND BYSTANDER
AWARENESS INTO COURSE CURRICULUM
Incorporate supplemental Title IX, gender-based violence, and bystander intervention
educational topics into existing course curriculum in order to reach additional students.
• In collaboration with Instructional Services identify opportunities to incorporate topics
into course curriculum. Areas of study may include courses in psychology, sociology,
anthropology, women’s studies, government, law enforcement, health and others
• Partner with faculty to provide credit for student attendance at prevention programs
2. IMPLEMENT REQUIRED TRAINING FOR ALL FULL-TIME AND ADJUNCT
FACULTY
Faculty are often the first point of contact for students. Therefore, all faculty need to be trained
on recognizing trauma, dealing with victims of abuse, intervention strategies, and available
resources.
• Combine Title IX training with existing education & development programs such as
faculty conferences
• Collaborate with Instructional Services to incorporate training into Instructional Week
• Expand the time allocated to Title IX awareness in new and new faculty orientations
3. REQUIRE TRAINING FOR ALL CAMPUS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Require gender-based violence prevention and bystander awareness training for student
members and advisors/coaches of all Campus Organizations (i.e.-student government,
intramural athletic teams, social groups, etc.)

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LGBTQ INCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
As valued members of the HCC family, LGBTQ constituents play an integral role in cultivating the
inclusive and unique culture and climate we are nationally known for. Focusing on students first, we
are charged with establishing and maintaining a safe academic environment where all can learn and
grow without fear of retaliation; regardless of ones gender, sexual orientation or identity.
HCC has a legal and moral obligation to act consistently with its values and support all students and
employees regardless of their gender identity or expression. Under Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972 HCC has the duty to ensure safe and nondiscriminatory environments for all
students, including members of the LGBTQ community. Best practices for transgender students
include:
• Respect trans students’ chosen names and pronouns
• Ensure the availability of and access to restrooms, locker rooms, and housing consistent with
students’ gender identities
• Maintain the privacy of trans students’ identity records under Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
• Treat trans students according to their gender identity regardless of their ability to provide
required legal documentation, gender marker changes, and/or legal name change
CURRENT STATE
• Although HCC’s non-discrimination and inclusion statements include references to gender
and/or LGBTQ specific status they do not go far enough in demonstrating support for
transgender students, faculty, staff and administration
• The HCC Safe Zone Program works to establish a college environment that is free of
stereotypical barriers and promotes tolerance and respect for individuals of all sexualities and
gender identities
• Current LGBTQ student organizations such as the HCC Central campus student club, OUT
Students and Allies which are dedicated towards raising awareness and taking action on
LGBTQ issues
• On March 2, 2017, the Office of Institutional Equity convened a Transgender Task Force of
college stakeholders to develop collaborative recommendations

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LGBTQ INCLUSION
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The following Task Force recommendations are focused on improving the physical environment and
campus culture such that barriers faced by LGBTQ, and specifically, transgender students, faculty or
staff are removed.
1. CREATE AN INSTITUTION-WIDE LGBTQ DIVERSITY RESOURCE
GROUP
Support of an institutional LGBTQ district-wide organization (Diversity Resource Group--DRG)
with representation of students, faculty, and staff, collectively providing recommendations for
concerns and needs of the cultural group to administration, and sharing of resources to
increase quality of services offered to LGBTQ community members district-wide.
2. DEVELOP LGBTQ FOCUSED AWARENESS COMMUNICATIONS
Develop LGBTQ focused awareness communications and incorporate examples into existing
and newly developed education materials.
• Develop and communicate a message acknowledging that HCC embraces transgender
persons and is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive institutional
environment where all feel safe—A safe place for all to learn, work and grow
• Reiteration of institutional commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance
districtwide
• Implementation of a comprehensive, multi-platform PR campaign highlighting the
“Human Connection”, ”We are ALL humans, “ “People Matter” – We are__________,
We are __________, We are ALL HCC….
3. INCORPORATE TRANSGENDER AWARENESS INTO D&I AND TITLE IX
TRAINING
Increase educational trainings and programs regarding LGBTQ (specifically transgender
persons) cultural norms providing academic and development opportunities to address
concerns of both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ persons.

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LGBTQ INCLUSION
RECOMMENDATION CONT’D:
• Update D&I training for all students during New Student Orientation (NSO) and
Employees during General New Employee Orientation (GNEO), focusing on
institutional standards and expectations for maintaining an inclusive climate as a
responsibility of all community members
• Provide gender identity awareness and/or Title IX compliance training for college
personnel who interact with student and/or personnel records management
information/interfaces
4. UPDATE HCC IT SYSTEMS & PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Update HCC information technology systems, physical environment, policies and processes to
meet the standards specified by title ix to create a respectful and accessible learning and
working community.
• Increase the number of designated family/gender neutral restrooms district-wide with a
minimum of one (1) per building.
 Conversion of existing gender specific (e.g., “male” or “female”) single-
­occupancy restrooms to gender inclusive restrooms
 Apply basic gender neutral signage to indicate converted single-­stall
gender inclusive restrooms (“Restroom”)
• Establish a policy and process that allows students and personnel to change the
gender identification and preferred name on their campus records upon request (i.e.,
without medical/legal documentation)
• Provide processes for students and employees to specify chosen or “preferred” names
and gender markers consistent with their identities without legal/medical
documentation. Include ability to make change via submission of a campus Personnel
Information Sheet upon recruitment and/or during employment

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CONCLUSION
The work to address SIPVS and sexual misconduct related issues at HCC did not begin nor will it end
based in this report. In order to truly raise the level of awareness and protect our students, victims and
victimizers, our practices and policies will need to evolve as we learn from our own experiences and
best practices from other institutions. The recommendations contained herein are, however, vitally
important to stemming the rise in reported Title IX related cases. HCC and greater Houston
community must be engaged in the implementation and ongoing support of these recommendations in
order to truly create a culture change.
The recommendations provided in this report serve to assist HCC in its continuing transformation
efforts to create a culture that will enhance the experience of all stakeholders. It will require sustained
attention and an institutional commitment to financial and human capital resources. Faculty and staff
must help reinforce the values and culture and guide students to resources. The active engagement
of our students is also critical to help create and sustain the lasting transformation needed to create a
safe learning and working environment for all.
The following items are essential to a successful implementation and ongoing support of the
recommendations contained within this report.
CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT OF CAMPUS LEADERSHIP
HCC leadership across the institution and within individual campuses - those with formal authority (e.g. the
chancellor or presidents) and those without (e.g. well respected faculty or students)- drives change and the
resources to continue change efforts. With constant and increasing demands it is easy for leadership to move
on from Title IX-related matters to other pressing issues on campus. It is critical that leadership be engaged on
an ongoing basis in this work. Methods of engagement may include: regular reporting, distribution of
assessment findings, education & training activities, and invitations to prevention activities.
ONGOING PREVENTION EDUCATION
Sustaining efforts to effectively address SIPVS means offering information to students, faculty and
staff in a variety of ways through a variety of means and messengers, and on an ongoing basis.

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CONCLUSION
Individuals need to receive new information multiple times through multiple channels before changes
in understanding and behavior take hold. A culturally relevant approach also ensures that learning
opportunities are collective and in supportive environments, and led by representatives from diverse
constituencies.
ENSURE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES
Critical to a sustained response to SIPVS and sexual misconduct issues on campus is securing the
resources needed to maintain awareness, prevention and intervention programming on an ongoing
basis. The ability to dedicate time for faculty and staff to participate in initiatives is essential. Also
important is the funding needed to respond to an increase in complaints and investigations; district-
wide awareness and prevention activities; and manpower. Although grant funding may be a source to
supplement resources, budgeted resources are critical to a successful implementation of the
recommendations within this report. The Task Force strongly recommends designating a budgeted
position that is designated specifically to oversee the proper implementation of the recommendations
within this report.
MONITOR PROGRESS - ONGOING ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATION
It is important that gaps in engagement, policy and services, be continuously monitored and course-
correction strategies be implemented on an ongoing basis in order to maintain a successful SIPVS
prevention and response plan at HCC.
CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATIONS
To ensure proper oversight and accountability the Title IX Task Force recommends that appropriate
resources be designated for the implementation of the recommendations within this report.
• Designate a full-time Title IX coordinator
• Impanel an ongoing Title IX Oversight Committee

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GOVERNING LEGISLATION
& POLICIES
Following are the primary federal laws and HCC specific policies that govern institutional
responsibilities to ensure a safe learning environment for students regardless of gender.
Title IX
Passed by Congress on June 23, 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bars sex
discrimination in education programs and activities offered by entities receiving federal financial
assistance. As the Supreme Court recognized in the landmark case of the United States v. Virginia,
“our Nation has had a long and unfortunate history of sex discrimination.” But in the forty years since
its enactment, Title IX has improved access to educational opportunities for millions of students,
helping to ensure that no educational opportunity is denied to women on the basis of sex and that
women are granted “equal opportunity to aspire, achieve, participate in and contribute to society
based on their individual talents and capacities.” In 2011 alone, Title IX covered over 49 million
students enrolled in more than 98,000 elementary and secondary schools. Title IX also protects more
than 20 million students enrolled in postsecondary education.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was originally passed by Congress as Title IV of the
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-322). This act addressed
congressional concerns about violent crime, and violence against women in particular, in several
ways. Among other things, it enhanced investigations and prosecutions of sex offenses by allowing for
enhanced sentencing of repeat federal sex offenders; mandating restitution to victims of specified
federal sex offenses; and authorizing grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement entities to
investigate and prosecute violent crimes against women.
Clery Act
The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to
keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses. Compliance is
monitored by the United States Department of Education, which can impose civil penalties, up to

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GOVERNING LEGISLATION
& POLICIES
$35,000 per violation, against institutions for each infraction and can suspend institutions from
participating in federal student financial aid programs.
Campus SaVe Act
The Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act requires institutions of postsecondary education eligible
to participate in federal student aid programs to adopt, and disclose in their annual security report a
summary of, a policy regarding sexual assault (an existing requirement of the Clery Act) and other
intimate partner violence; establish a baseline framework for institutions to respond to sexual assault
and other intimate partner violence; and update requirements concerning awareness and prevention
programming about sexual assault and other intimate partner violence.
HCC Policy-Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation, Sex & Sexual
Harassment (FFDA Local)
This policy specifically prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any student on the
basis of sex or gender. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of
College District policy and is prohibited.
HCC Policy-Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation, Sex & Sexual
Harassment (DIAA Local)
This policy specifically addresses employee complaints of sex and gender discrimination, sexual
harassment, sexual assault, and retaliation. The College District prohibits discrimination, including
harassment, against any employee on the basis of sex or gender. Retaliation against anyone involved
in the complaint process is a violation of College district policy.

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TITLE IX DEFINITIONS
Consent
Clear and unambiguous agreement, expressed in mutually understandable words or actions, to
engage in a particular activity. Consent can be withdrawn by either party at any point. Consent must
be voluntarily given and may not be valid if a person is subjected to actions or behaviors that elicit
emotional or psychological pressure, intimidation, or fear. Consent to engage in sexual activity, or
past agreement to engage in a particular sexual activity, cannot be presumed to constitute consent to
engage in a different sexual activity or to engage again in a sexual activity. Consent cannot be validly
given by a person who is incapacitated.
Dating Violence
Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate
nature with the victim; and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a
consideration of the following factors:
• the length of the relationship;
• the type of relationship; and
• the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship
Domestic Violence
A "felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by—a current or former spouse or intimate
partner of the victim, a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, a person who is
cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim, a person similarly situated to a spouse of the
victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies [under
VAWA], or any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts
under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction."
Gender Expression
Refers to the way a person communicates gender identity to others through behavior, clothing,
hairstyles, voice or body characteristics.

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TITLE IX DEFINITIONS
Gender identity
Refers to a person’s internal sense of being male, female or something else.
Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment
Occurs when one or more instances of sexual harassment are severe or pervasive enough to affect
an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit in an educational program or activity.
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate Partner Violence includes Dating Violence and Domestic Violence, both of which are further
defined below. Intimate Partner Violence can occur in relationships of the same or different genders.
Incapacitated
Lacking the physical and/or mental ability to make informed, rational judgements. This may have a
variety of causes, including, but not limited to, being asleep or unconscious, having consumed alcohol
or taken drugs, or experiencing blackouts or flashbacks.
Responsible Employee
A responsible employee is any employee who has the authority to take action to redress sexual
violence, who has been given the duty to report to appropriate school officials about incidents of
sexual violence or any other misconduct by students, or who a student could reasonably believe has
this authority or responsibility.
Sex Discrimination
Sex Discrimination represents an umbrella term encompassing multiple types of actions involving the
unfavorable treatment of an individual or a group of identifiable individuals based on sex.

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TITLE IX DEFINITIONS
Sexual Violence
By a stranger or acquaintance, touching a person’s intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breast,
or buttocks), whether directly or through clothing, where active consent was not established. Sexual
Assault II also includes forcing an unwilling person to touch another’s intimate parts. Where the victim
purported to give consent, but the accused used force, threat, intimidation, or the victim’s mental or
physical helplessness, the charge of Sexual Assault II also applies. Mental or physical helplessness
would include, but not be limited to, sleep, as well as the inability to consent due to excessive alcohol
or drug use or consumption.
Stalking
Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person
to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Transgender
An umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression or behavior does not conform
to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth.

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RESOURCES
LOCAL RESOURCES AND REFERRALS
AREA FAMILY VIOLENCE CRISIS CENTERS and SHELTERS
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) 713-224-9911
The Bridge 713-473-2801
Bay Area Turning Point 281-286-2525
DAYA 713-981-7645
Houston Area Women’s Center 713-528-2121
Family Time 281-446-2615
Ft. Bend County Women’s Center 281-342-4357
Montgomery County Women’s Center 936-441-7273
Montrose Center 713-539-3211
Northwest Assistance Ministries (counseling and advocacy) 888-750-4673
Galveston County Women’s Center 888-919-7233
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 1-800-799-SAFE
RAINN 1-800-656-HOPE
FAMILY/HOMELESS SHELTERS
Salvation Army 713/650-6530
Star of Hope 713/222-2220
Mission of Yahweh 713/466-4785
HOTLINES
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
AIDS Hotline 1-800-232-4636
Spanish AIDS Hotline 1-800-232-4636

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RESOURCES
Child Abuse Prevention Hotline 1-800-4-A-Child
Child & Adult Protective Services 1-800-252-5400
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Hotline Network (RAINN) 1-800-656-4673
Crisis Intervention of Houston 713-468-5463
Teen Hotline 713-529-TEEN (8336)
COUNSELING
Innovative Alternatives 832-864-6000
Depelchin Children’s Center 713-861-8136
Community Family Center (Spanish) 713-923-2316
Center for Counseling 713-263-0829
Catholic Charities 713-526-4611
LEGALSERVICES____________________________________________________________________
Harris County District Attorney/Family Criminal Law Division 713-755-5888
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse 713-224-9911
Houston Volunteer Lawyers 713-228-0732
Lone Star Legal Aid Foundation 713-652-5911
Family Violence Legal Line 800-374-4673
POLICE
Pasadena 713-477-1221
LaPorte 281-471-3810
Deer Park 281-478-2000
South Houston 713-944-1910
Galena Park 713-675-3471
Jacinto City 713-672-2455

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RESOURCES
Harris County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Division 713-967-5810
Houston Police Department 713-222-3131
WEB BASED RESOURCES
American College Health Association (ACHA) National College Health Assessment
www.achancha.org
Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA)
www.theasca.org
Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA)
www.atixa.org
Break the Cycle
www.breakthecycle.org
California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CalCASA)
www.calcasa.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Violence Prevention
www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention
Futures Without Violence
www.futureswithoutviolence.org

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RESOURCES
Green Dot, etc.
www.livethegreendot.com
Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH)
www.womenshealth.gov/violence-against-women
The Higher Education Center for Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Violence Prevention
www.higheredcenter.org
Men Can Stop Rape
www.mencanstoprape.org
National Center for Higher Education Risk Management (NCHERM)
www.ncherm.org
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
www.ncaa.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.thehotline.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
www.nsvrc.org
RAINN – Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
www.rainn.org

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RESOURCES
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault
www.taasa.org
Texas Council on Family Violence
www.tcfv.org
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
www.ovw.usdoj.gov
Prevention Innovations – The University of New Hampshire
www.unh.edu/preventioninnovations
School and College Organization for Prevention Educators (SCOPE)
www.wearescope.org
Security on Campus, Inc.
www.securityoncampus.org
Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator Listserv (SAPC)
www.sexualassault.virginia.edu/sapc-introduction.htm
Students Active For Ending Rape (SAFER)
www.safercampus.org
Workplaces Respond to Domestic Violence – A National Resource Center
www.workplacesrespond.org

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-END REPORT-