Sexual Conduct
Verbal, virtual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, whether intended seriously or in jest.
Pittsburgh
Freethought Community
Promoting science, reason and secular humanist values in the Greater Pittsburgh area |
Community Safety
Sexual Harassment Policy
Pittsburgh Freethought Community does not tolerate sexual harassment at our events, in our online spaces, or within our community.
Our Policy
Everyone deserves to participate without harassment.
It is the policy of Pittsburgh Freethought Community that behavior which constitutes sexual harassment will not be tolerated at our events or within our community.
PFC’s goal is to create a culture where members, guests, volunteers, leaders, and event participants can gather safely, respectfully, and without being subjected to sexual harassment or hostile conduct.
Definition
What counts as sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment includes behavior that creates a hostile or offensive experience for another person.
Unwelcome Advances
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or behavior that pressures another person sexually.
Misogynistic Language
Misogynistic language or conduct that contributes to a hostile, offensive, or exclusionary environment.
Reporting
How to report an incident.
Members and participants who are targets of sexual harassment, or who become aware of sexual harassment within PFC, are encouraged to report the incident to any member of the Board of Directors.
A Director who receives such a complaint shall immediately bring it to the attention of the President, or to another Officer if the President is the subject of the complaint.
Investigation
What happens next?
01
The President or another Officer directs the Board to investigate with as much confidentiality as possible.
02
If the complaint is made against a Board member, that Board member will not be an investigator.
03
The investigation may examine the context of the alleged occurrence and steps PFC should take to discourage sexual harassment.
Resolution
The Board will act to resolve the complaint.
The Board shall take action in executive session to resolve the complaint. If the Board determines that the complaint is supported by a preponderance of evidence, the resolution may include removing a harasser from participation in some or all PFC events.
Records & Privacy
Documentation will be handled carefully.
The Board shall retain in its files a record of the complaint, investigation, and resolution. The Board shall consider the desire of the complainant and any target to remain anonymous when documenting the incident and resolution.
The Board shall decide whether to share any or all of the resolution with the membership or the public. Absent a compelling reason, the identities of the complainant and any target of harassment shall not be made public.
Need to Report Something?
Contact a PFC Director.
If you experienced sexual harassment, witnessed it, or became aware of it within PFC, report it to any member of the Board of Directors. Reports will be addressed with care and confidentiality.
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