It is our policy that employees, attendees, and others involved in any way with Common Ground Interfaith Spiritual Center, Inc. are entitled to a respectful environment. Being respected means being treated honestly and professionally, with your unique talents and perspectives valued. A respectful environment is about more than compliance with the law. It is an environment that is free of inappropriate behavior of all kinds. We are committed to providing an environment in which the dignity of every individual is respected. Each of us should understand that incidents of harassment and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated at Common Ground.
Harassing Conduct
Harassment is unwelcome conduct toward an individual because of his or her race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status, when the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Examples of harassment that may violate the law and will violate this policy include:
• Oral or written communications that contain offensive name-calling, jokes, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threats. This includes comments or jokes that are distasteful or targeted at individuals or groups based on race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status.
• Nonverbal conduct, such as staring, leering and giving inappropriate gifts.
• Physical conduct, such as assault or unwanted touching.
• Visual images, such as derogatory or offensive pictures, cartoons, drawings or gestures. Such prohibited images include those in hard copy or electronic form.
Sexual Harassment
"Sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment includes conduct directed by a person at another person of the same or opposite gender. Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature includes but is not limited to the deliberate, repeated making of unsolicited gestures or comments of a sexual nature; the deliberate, repeated display of offensive sexually graphic materials; or deliberate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, whether or not repeated, that is sufficiently severe to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Inappropriate Behavior
Our goal is to have an environment where we all treat each other respectfully. Any disrespectful behavior, even if it does not rise to the level of "harassment," interferes with that goal and will not be tolerated. Common Ground reserves the right to respond to inappropriate behavior even where no one has complained or indicated they have been offended.
How to Report a Violation
Do not assume that Common Ground is aware of the problem. It is your responsibility to bring your complaints and concerns to our attention so that we can help resolve them. Immediately report suspected violations of this policy to Reverend Glenda Knox or Reverend Judy DePrete.
Investigation and Response
If you report a complaint of harassment or inappropriate behavior, we will investigate your concerns. Where there has been a violation of policy, we will take appropriate action to try to avoid future violations. We will inform parties about the status of reviewing their complaints. To respect the privacy and confidentiality of all people involved, we might not share specific details of the action taken.
Spiritual Community Responsibility
Everyone in the spiritual community is responsible for ensuring that Common Ground provides an environment free of harassment and inappropriate behavior and that complaints are handled promptly and effectively.
Application
This applies to all employees, attendees and to anyone else involved in any way with Common Ground. This includes customers, vendors, suppliers and contractors. It also applies to all locations and situations where Common Ground's ministry is conducted and to all Common Ground-sponsored social events.
