It is the policy of SLO NightWriters to treat all members and visitors with dignity and respect and to provide an environment free from harassment and illegal discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law. No person should be subjected to harassment or discrimination by any member or visitor of SLO NightWriters and all members should be aware of what harassment, (both sexual and non-sexual) and discrimination are, and what steps to take if harassment or discrimination occurs. SLO NightWriters will take immediate measures to address complaints of slurs or harassment based on any characteristic protected by law.

SLO NightWriters’ policy against sexual harassment prohibits unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors and other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for decisions regarding participation or decisions made affecting the individual who submits to or rejects such conduct, or (2) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a participant’s performance or (3) creates an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive environment.

SLO NightWriters policy against non-sexual harassment includes but is not limited to actions regarding religion, race, age, gender, or skin color will also be considered harassment if they interfere with an employee's success or conjure an uncomfortable or hostile environment.

This policy applies to all related settings and activities, whether inside or outside of meetings or social events.  SLO NightWriters covers all individuals who have a relationship with SLO NightWriters, including general membership, members of the Board, vendors, and volunteers.

While it is not possible to list all of the circumstances which would constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples: (1) unwelcome sexual advances − whether they involve physical touching or not; (2) requests for sexual favors in exchange for actual or promised benefits such as favorable reviews or other benefits; or (3) coerced sexual acts.

Depending on the circumstances, the following conduct may also constitute sexual harassment: (1) use of sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life; (2) sexually oriented comments on an individual’s body, about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess; (3) displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, and/or cartoons; (4) unwelcome leering, whistling, or deliberate brushing against the body in a suggestive manner; (5) sexual gestures or sexually suggestive comments; (6) inquiries into one’s sexual experiences; or (7) discussion of one’s sexual activities. 

While such behavior, depending on the circumstances, may not be severe or pervasive enough to create a sexually hostile environment, it can nonetheless cause discomfort. Accordingly, such behavior is inappropriate and may have consequences regardless of whether it is unlawful.

We would not consider anything contained in the written word of any author as  harassment. Matters shared in groups that are meant to inform or elucidate aspects of  writing are not to which we are referring. 

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE: Complaints can be made to any Board member. All complaints will be reviewed by a committee, and a response or course of action will be determined within a reasonable period of time. The committee will follow-up to ensure appropriate steps were taken.

SLO NightWriters does not condone retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint in good faith under this Policy.

April 2018