Resolution on Sexual Harassment
2017-10-21 Resolution on Harassment and Bullying
• DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
• Harassment can take many forms. It may be verbal, physical, or visual and can include but is not limited to: words, signs, jokes, pranks, intimidation, physical contact, or violence. It generally focuses on stereotyping that includes age, gender, race, color, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
• Bullying does not involve stereotyping but encompasses the same actions as harassment and is equally as serious.
• Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances by either sex, requests for sexual favors, other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an intimidating environment, prevents an individual from effectively performing the duties of their position either implicitly or explicitly.
• BE IT SO RESOLVED THAT:
• Each Democratic officer is responsible for keeping our environment free of harassment and bullying. Any officer who becomes aware of an incident of harassment or bullying, whether by witnessing the incident or being victimized by it, must report the incident to the Party Officer with whom they feel most comfortable.
• When the Washington County Democratic Party becomes aware that harassment or bullying might exist, we are obligated by law to take prompt and appropriate action, whether or not the victim wants our committee to do so. Appropriate investigation and disciplinary action will be taken, if warranted. All reports will be promptly investigated with due regard given for the privacy of everyone involved.
• Any officer found to have harassed or bullied a fellow member will be subject to disciplinary action or possible termination. WCDPU will also take any additional action necessary to correct the situation. WCDPU will not retaliate nor will we tolerate any member of our party who retaliates against anyone who makes a good faith report of alleged harassment or bullying, even if the incident is found to be unsubstantiated.
