To All Members, Please read the following message from RASC National. You can find the RASC Policy Manual at the following link but you will have to log in to the members' area.
http://www.rasc.ca/system/files/RASC_Policy_Manual_2018_Ver5.5.pdfDear Centre Presidents:
A working group under Heather Laird with the legal assistance of Michael Watson has just revised section G24 Anti-Harassment Policy in the RASC Policy Manual. The Board has just approved this amendment. This policy applies to and protects all members, guests, staff, contractors, exhibitors and others who attend or participate in any meeting or other activity of the RASC.
It is the policy of the RASC that all Participants in Society or Centre meeting and other activities will enjoy an environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. This includes being free from retaliation for making a complaint or participating in an investigation of a complaint made under this policy. The RASC is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages free expression and the exchange of ideas. In pursuit of that principle, the RASC is dedicated to equality of opportunity and treatment for all Participants, regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, age, marital status, disabilities, or any other characteristic that is not related to scientific merit. These are collectively referred to in the policy as “Protected Characteristics”. Harassment, sexual or otherwise, is misconduct that undermines the integrity of the RASC and is disruptive of Society activities. Such misconduct is prohibited, and violators of this policy will be subject to discipline.
The amendments to G24 more clearly define harassment and separate it from section G23 Conflict and Complaint Resolution which is an entirely different and separate process. The amended policy allows Centres to resolve harassment issues and provides an appeal to the Society’s Board of Directors. The new policy provides more outcomes for disciplinary action than the previous version, including warnings, exclusion from Centre activities, or termination of membership. The new policy specifically provides direction in dealing with emergency situations and makes retaliation an offense.
The updated Policy Manual Version 5.5 has been uploaded to the national website. We’d appreciate it if your help in sharing information about this new policy with our membership.
Regards, Charles Ennis
National Secretary
778-458-2666
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