University of North Texas Health Science Center (HSC) Safety Plan

Plan to Promote Safe Environments at Conferences Supported by NIH Grants

The University of North Texas Health Science Center (HSC) and the conference organizers are committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and other barriers that might prevent or inhibit an individual's participation in conferences, meetings, and other related events. As such, the University of North Texas Health Science Center is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit – and takes actions to prevent –  discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct  (including sexual violence),  and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, family status, genetic information, citizenship or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates and takes remedial action when appropriate.

Expectations of Attendees and Organizers

Attendees, organizers, and any other conference participants are expected to foster a safe and respectful environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking). Inappropriate behaviors will not be tolerated. All Attendees, organizers, and any other conference participants are expected to uphold HSC's policies, including HSC's Title IX  and  Prohibition Against Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Related Retaliation. 

HSC's Title IX Policy and HSC's Prohibition Against Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Related Retaliation policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and applicants for employment or admission, individuals and organizations conducting business on behalf of or for HSC, visitors and participants at any location, program or other activity associated with HSC. You can read more about HSC's Notice of Non-Discrimination here.

HSC may act under this policy when prohibited conduct that occurs at any location due to activities that may have a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting the academic or work environment.

Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Crime Reporting:

Report an Emergency

Emergency, crimes, imminent or continuing threat of harm to an individual or property, and other emergency concerns of safety, call HSC Center Police at 817-735-2600 or 9-1-1

Report Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Crime

Crimes should be reported to HSC Police Department:

  • Location: 3600 Mattison Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107
  • Phone Number: 817-735-2600

Discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct shall promptly be reported using any of the following options:

  • Report sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) to the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@unthsc.edu
  • Report harassment and discrimination to the Office of Equal Opportunity at HRS.EO@untsystem.edu
  • By way of the HSC TrustLine, an online reporting system, at www.unthsc.edu/letstalk.
  • HSC TrustLine FAQs or call (844) 692-6025. 

Related retaliation, and other violations of HSC policy, shall be reported to the HSC Office of Institutional Compliance and Integrity at compliance@unthsc.edu.

Filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Individuals with questions, concerns, or complaints related to any of the civil rights laws are encouraged to contact the HHS Office for Civil Rights. Information about Filing with OCR can be found on their Filing with OCR webpage.

Additionally, contact information for federal civil rights protections can also be found on the Fact Sheet for NIH Grantees: Know Your Rights - Federal Civil Rights Protections

Please note that filing a complaint with the conference organizers is not required before filing a complaint of discrimination with HHS OCR. Moreover, seeking assistance from the conference organizer in no way prohibits filing complaints with HHS OCR. Individuals may report to the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) directly.

Assessment of Allegations and Consequences

HSC will refer reports of violation to the Office of Equal Opportunity which will promptly investigate and resolve all complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. The HSC takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who report or file a charge of discrimination or harassment; participate in an investigation, or oppose any form of discrimination or harassment.

Question or Concerns

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints related to harassment, you are also encouraged to contact the conference chair, Damaris Javier (Damaris.javier@unthsc.edu), or the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR). 

Additionally, you may contact the National Institutes of Health by visiting NIH's Find Help webpage.

Additional Resources

  • University of North Texas Health Science Center Police: 817-735-2600 
  • Legislative Resources
  • Raul Cantu, Emergency Management and Business Continuity Coordinator
    • Office of Operations and Business Management
    • Office: 817-735-2587
    • Cell: 910-429-6321
  • Crisis Intervention Contacts (Off-Campus) - These contacts play a secondary role to urgent situations and should be contacted only after initial notifications are made.


  • Off-Campus resources
    • Baylor Hospital (Fort Worth): 817-926-2544
    • Harris Methodist Hospital (Fort Worth): 817-250-2000
    • John Peter Smith Hospital (Fort Worth): 817-702-2839
    • Fort Worth Police Department (non-emergency): 817-335-4222
    • Methodist Hospital (Dallas): 214-947-8181
    • Parkland Hospital (Dallas): 214-590-8000
    • Dallas Police Department (non-emergency): 214-744-4444
    • Denton Police Department (non-emergency): 940-349-8181
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