Non-Discrimination

Date: November 2024

Supersedes: April 2020, September 2019, October 2011, May 2003

---

Purpose

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC or The College) strives to create a community of and for learners. To do so requires an environment of trust and openness. MCCC is committed to the premise that all individuals have a right to learn and work in an environment that is safe, productive, respectful, and free from discrimination or retaliation. Discrimination or retaliation will not be tolerated as such behavior is disrespectful, contrary to our goals and objectives, and threatens to destroy the environment of mutual respect that must prevail if the College is to fulfill its mission.

Policy

MCCC, in its educational programs, activities, employment and human resources policies and practices, will not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, religion, religious creed, sex (pregnancy and related conditions), ancestry, national origin, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity and expression, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, marital status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additionally, the College complies with the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA), which prohibits the use of genetic information related to hiring, or any terms, conditions or privileges of employment, and to the intentional and unlawful acquisition of genetic information for any applicant, employee or family member.

Reasonable accommodation also will be provided to qualified persons with disabilities, and to accommodate religious practices, and for a worker's known limitation related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions provided that the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship.

Retaliation is Prohibited

MCCC and any member of the MCCC community are prohibited from taking 
or attempting to take materially adverse action by intimidating, threatening, coercing, harassing, or discriminating against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by law or policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy. Filing a complaint under another MCCC policy could be considered retaliatory if those allegations could be subject to this policy, when the policy allegations are made for the purpose of interfering with or circumventing any right or privilege provided afforded within this policy that is not 
provided by other MCCC operating procedures. Therefore, MCCC carefully vets all complaints to ensure this does not happen, and to ensure that complaints are routed to the appropriate process.

MCCC will take appropriate and available steps to protect individuals who fear that they may be subjected to retaliation.

Contact Information

Complaints or notice of alleged policy violations, or inquiries about or concerns regarding this policy and procedures, may be made internally via: Discrimination/Harassment Report or by contacting 504@mc3.edu or 215-619-7383.
This information will be routed to the Director of Equity, Diversity and Belonging.