An Office of Equity and Diversity Compliance Moment

Both Montgomery College and Montgomery County are comprised of a diverse and interdependent community of communities. The College is committed to authentically embracing and celebrating the dimensions of diversity that exist here, within the county and throughout the region. This commitment includes the Board of Trustees establishing policies to ensure access, equity and diversity; and the College delivering programs and implementing practices that promote a climate of inclusion, civility and mutual respect. Several years ago, the College established a Safe Zone program and training. The program and associated training promotes and ensures safe, supportive and welcoming campus and work environments for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The Safe Zone program is more than a symbolic demonstration - it is a non-discrimination compliance strategy for a legally protected community of our students, colleagues and allies. More information about Safe Zone training may obtained from the Center for Professional & Organizational Development and related information may be obtained by visiting this link http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/mcpride/. Throughout the college there is visibly displayed signage indicating that an employee or an office team has attended the Safe Zone certification training and it indicates that the individual or office is an ally. Recently the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) has received complaints that some of the signage has been removed or defaced. In such instances, the signage will be replaced. OED is requesting that this signage is not removed or defaced. As appropriate, it is important to be aware that complaints regarding the unauthorized removal or defacing of the signage will be addressed in the same manner as in any other act or allegation of discrimination. OED encourages you to report such complaints to the campus Safety and Security office and the Office of Equity and Diversity. As members of the college and community, OED urges that we embrace, empower and express our commitment to diversity in an inclusive, civil and mutually respectful manner.