Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that champions diversity and inclusion in its recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion policies and practices. It is GCCCD policy to ensure equal opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College, which comprises the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, are dedicated to fostering equal opportunity in their academic and work environments, ensuring that the campuses are free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The District believes that a diverse array of people and perspectives enriches the quality of education and work experience at GCCCD. This commitment to diversity is a core value of the District.

While the Office of Human Resources is responsible for overseeing the District's compliance with applicable equal employment laws and policies and for implementing the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, promoting equal opportunity is a collective responsibility shared by the entire GCCCD community. This integrated approach to equal opportunity and diversity ensures that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors receive fair and equitable treatment in every program and facility within the District.

The District takes all claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation seriously. Employees, students, applicants, and others are encouraged to report any concerns related to discrimination or harassment. All reports will be handled in accordance with district procedures and applicable laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, and other relevant federal and state legislation. If you wish to file a complaint related to EEO, Title IX, or disability services, please contact Michael Z. Salvador, Title IX/EEO Officer, at 619-644-7039 or email michael.salvador@gcccd.edu.

For information on GCCCD Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures, or employee and applicant demographics, please see the EEO Plan below. 

EEO Plan 2024 - 2027
Equal Employment Opportunity Annual Certification Form

Request for Accommodation

EEO Training

The Vision Resource Center (VRC) plays a crucial role in promoting Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) within the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) by providing an accessible and inclusive platform for professional development and training. As a primary online tool, the VRC ensures that all members of the GCCCD community—regardless of background, race, gender, disability, or other protected categories—have equal access to educational resources, career advancement opportunities, and collaborative learning.

Through the VRC, GCCCD employees can access a wealth of materials focused on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, while also participating in workshops and courses designed to foster understanding and compliance with EEO policies. The platform also supports the development of effective strategies for creating equitable learning and working environments, aligning with GCCCD’s commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and fairness. By encouraging open dialogue, resource sharing, and networking, the VRC helps to ensure that every individual in the GCCCD community is empowered to succeed and contribute to a workplace free from discrimination and bias.

To learn more about how the Vision Resource Center supports EEO and professional growth, visit the Vision Resource Center. Vision Resource Center Login

Recommended Courses for EEO Awareness
To support our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we encourage all employees to complete the "Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity" training available through the Vision Resource Center. This course provides a foundational understanding of EEO principles, helps identify and mitigate implicit bias in the workplace, and promotes practices that foster a more inclusive and respectful environment. Access the training by logging into the Vision Resource Center and searching for the course title below.

• EEO and Lawful Hiring
• EEO Made Simple
• EEO and Preventing Discrimination in the Federal Workplace
• Practical EEO: Understanding and Application

Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

At Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD), we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment for our students, faculty, staff, and community members. As a public institution in California, we are guided by the state’s robust values and legal mandates that prioritize the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) as essential components of academic and workplace excellence.

We are aware of recent national conversations and changes in federal policy that may impact DEIA initiatives across the country. While these shifts pose challenges to some institutions, GCCCD is resolute in adhering to California’s strong DEIA principles, which emphasize the importance of equity in education and employment. These principles reflect our belief that every individual deserves access to opportunities in a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Our Commitment to DEIA

• Diversity: We celebrate the rich diversity of our community, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.
• Equity: We strive to identify and address barriers to opportunity, ensuring fair treatment, access, and advancement for all members of our district.
• Inclusion: We foster a sense of belonging for everyone, promoting respect, understanding, and meaningful participation.
• Accessibility: We are dedicated to providing accessible resources, services, and learning environments that meet the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities.

Navigating National Changes

While federal policies may evolve, GCCCD remains committed to its mission and values. We will continue to uphold California’s legal and ethical commitments to DEIA, ensuring that our policies, practices, and programs align with state laws and reflect the needs and expectations of our community.

Looking Ahead

As part of this commitment, GCCCD will:

• Regularly review and enhance our DEIA initiatives to align with best practices and state requirements.
• Proactively engage with students, employees, and stakeholders to understand and address concerns.
• Advocate for equitable opportunities and outcomes in education and employment, reinforcing our role as a leader in advancing DEIA in higher education.

We believe that our diversity is our strength and that by staying true to our values, GCCCD will continue to serve as a model of inclusion, equity, and excellence. Together, we will build a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Strengthening Equity and Inclusion: GCCCD Implements AB 2925

Equity in Education: AB 2925 Compliance and Initiatives

As part of our ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) is in the process of taking proactive steps to implement Assembly Bill 2925 (AB 2925), a new law strengthening protections against discrimination in higher education. This law builds upon the Equity in Higher Education Act, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Key Updates to GCCCD’s Policies and Practices

1. Expanded Anti-Discrimination Protections
   AB 2925 broadens the scope of protections against discrimination by redefining critical terms:

   • "Nationality/National Identity" now includes shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics, citizenship, or residency in countries with distinct religious identities.
   • "Religion" encompasses all beliefs, observances, and practices, including agnosticism and atheism, and explicitly addresses anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

2. Mandatory Training
   GCCCD is planning to include specialized training related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion thrugh the Vision Resource Center to address discrimination against the five most targeted groups in California, as identified in the state’s annual "Hate Crime in California" report.

   • These trainings are designed to enhance awareness, sensitivity, and the capacity to combat bias and harassment.
   • Trainings address the intersectional effects of multiple forms of discrimination on marginalized communities.

3. Supportive Measures for Students
   GCCCD is committed to providing support to students who experience discrimination, regardless of whether the incident occurs on or off campus. These measures ensure that impacted students can fully access educational opportunities without barriers.

4. Educational and Preventative Activities
   GCCCD is planning to implement initiatives to promote tolerance, reduce discrimination, and eliminate hostile environments that impair educational access.

5. Alignment with State and Federal Standards
   GCCCD policies are aligned with:

   • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
   • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
   • California's Unruh Civil Rights Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act

Summary of the Latest EEOC Guidance on DEI-Related Discrimination (March 19, 2025)

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, ensuring compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. GCCCD strives to prevent discrimination and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a manner that upholds the rights of all employees.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recently released two key documents addressing potential discrimination related to DEI initiatives in the workplace:

1. What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work

This EEOC resource clarifies that while DEI efforts are designed to create inclusive work environments, they must not result in unlawful discrimination against any group. Employers must implement DEI policies in alignment with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring fair treatment for all employees. Key points include:

• Equal Access to Opportunities: Employers must provide fair access to training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities for all employees, without bias based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics.
• Non-Discriminatory Employment Decisions: Hiring, promotions, and other employment actions must be based on qualifications and merit, not an individual’s membership in a protected category.
• Avoiding Workplace Segregation: DEI initiatives should not separate employees into groups based on protected characteristics, as this could lead to unlawful discrimination.

More details are available in the full EEOC guidance: What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work

2. What To Do If You Experience Discrimination Related to DEI at Work

This document provides guidance for employees who believe they have faced discrimination linked to DEI initiatives. The EEOC advises:

• Taking Prompt Action: Individuals should report concerns to their employer or file a complaint with the EEOC, keeping in mind the strict time limits for filing a charge.
• Filing a Charge with the EEOC: Employees can contact the EEOC at 1-800-669-4000 or via ASL videophone at 1-844-234-5122 for assistance.

For more information, visit: What To Do If You Experience Discrimination Related to DEI at Work

GCCCD’s Commitment to Compliance and Equity

GCCCD remains dedicated to upholding federal and state EEO laws and proactively preventing discrimination in all employment practices. We encourage employees to report any concerns and utilize the available resources to ensure a fair and inclusive work environment.

For More Information

To learn more about your rights or access resources contact the GCCCD Office of Equal Employment Opportunity or email the Director of EEO/Title IX/Diversity Michael Salvador  (michael.salvador@gcccd.edu)

Also, there are outside resources you can directly reach out to: 

If you believe have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division, at Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice (https://civilrights.justice.gov). If you work for an university or college and have experienced anti-Semitic harassment at work, you can file a charge with the EEOC, at How to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (https://www.eeoc.gov/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination). Learn more about addressing anti-Semitism at work here: What To Do If You Face Antisemitism at Work. 

Last updated: March 2025