Click here to view the Community Policy on Respectful Conduct in its own page.
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Respectful Conduct Policy Statement
Hollyhock is committed to providing a respectful environment, one that is free from Bullying and Harassment.
All members of the Hollyhock community, including employees, contractors, volunteers, learners, guests, program participants, speakers and vendors (collectively “Community Members”) are responsible for conducting themselves in a respectful manner, one that is free from Bullying and Harassment: (1) at or on any Hollyhock premises; (2) while interacting with Hollyhock employees, contractors and volunteers; and (3) while attending at any Hollyhock organized or sponsored functions, conferences, meetings or other events.
What is Bullying and Harassment?
Reference to the phrase “Bullying and Harassment” in this policy includes any inappropriate conduct or comment by an individual towards another that the individual knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause that other to be humiliated or intimidated, but excludes, in relation to conduct or comment directed at employees, any reasonable action taken by Hollyhock or management relating to the management and direction of employees or the place of employment (“Inappropriate Conduct or Comment”).
Reference to the phrase “Bullying and Harassment” in this policy also includes discriminatory harassment, which is Inappropriate Conduct or Comment of a person or group of persons related to a protected ground under the Human Rights Code, in other words, Inappropriate Conduct or Comment based on:
- race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion
- political belief
- marital status, family status
- physical or mental disability
- sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
- age
- unrelated criminal conviction.
Examples of behaviour that constitutes Bullying and Harassment, and is accordingly prohibited, includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Verbal misconduct such as verbal abuse, insults, offensive or defamatory remarks, derogatory jokes, suggestive comments, slurs, or unwanted sexual invitations, or comments;
- Offensive, derogatory or defamatory visual displays including words or images on presentation materials, pamphlets, posters, photographs, cartoons, drawings or other media;
- Aggressive or unwanted physical conduct including unwanted touching, inappropriate physical contact, shoving, pushing, assault, or intentionally blocking another’s movement or interfering with their activities;
- Unwelcome sexual attention, stalking, or physical contact such as pinching, grabbing, or groping;
- Threats or demands to submit to sexual or inappropriate requests, and offers of action or inaction in exchange for sexual favors;
- Retaliation for reporting or threatening to report Bullying and Harassment.
NOTE: Critical examination of beliefs, including, but not limited to, critical commentary on the religious or political beliefs of others, does not, by itself, constitute Bullying and Harassment. One of the underlying rationales of this policy is to promote the free exchange of ideas, not to inhibit it. However, when such behaviour crosses the line into verbal or physical abuse, it becomes prohibited.
Harassment Reporting Procedure: Any Community Member who believes that they have been subject to Bullying and Harassment as described in this policy should immediately report the incident verbally or in writing to the person in charge of the activity in relation to which the Bullying and Harassment is said to have occurred, being the workshop lead, the conference producer or the senior Hollyhock staff member on site. If the issue is with one of these individuals, the incident should be reported to the Hollyhock Operations Director or the CEO.
In addition, any Community Member who sees or hears about conduct that may constitute Bullying or Harassment under this policy should immediately report it to their supervisor or the Operations Director. If for some reason the employee feels uncomfortable about making a report to that supervisor, the employee should report the incident directly to the CEO.
Any reports of Bullying and Harassment should include details of the incident(s), the names of individuals involved, the names of any witnesses, direct quotes when relevant, and any documentary evidence (notes, pictures, cartoons, emails, etc.).
Investigation of Reports: All reports of Bullying and Harassment, which allege conduct that is considered to be Bullying and Harassment under this policy will be promptly investigated. All Community Members who are involved are required to fully cooperate in the investigation process and respect confidentiality.
Anonymity and Confidentiality: In order to protect the right of persons accused of Bullying and Harassment, anonymous complaints will generally not be investigated. We urge anyone who is the victim of Bullying and Harassment or a witness to it to come forward so that we can properly investigate each complaint. Hollyhock will do its best to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved in any complaint or report, to the extent possible consistent with its obligation to investigate. Any express promise of confidentiality by a person authorized to speak for Hollyhock before, during, or after an investigation will be kept and respected by Hollyhock, unless disclosure is required by law.
Sanctions: Individuals who engage in prohibited Bullying and Harassment in violation of this policy may be sanctioned.
Employees, contractors and volunteers of Hollyhock are subject to the Hollyhock Code of Conduct and may be disciplined, up to and including termination.
If any other Community Member engages in conduct found to be Bullying and Harassment, appropriate remedial action will be taken, which may include, but is not limited to, expulsion from the function, meeting, conference, or event, or expulsion from the premises.
When there is a reasonable basis for believing the conduct is criminal in nature, appropriate law enforcement authorities will be notified.
Sanctions can also be imposed on Community Members who file complaints of alleged Bullying and Harassment in bad faith.
Harassment Statement for Hollyhock Events: The following statement will be posted conspicuously at all Hollyhock events:
“Hollyhock and its members actively promote an environment that is safe, positive, welcoming, and open for all members of the Hollyhock Community. We are each responsible for creating this environment at Hollyhock gatherings and events. As a conscious community, we must be aware of our actions and their impact on others. We cannot blur the lines of a caring, connecting community with one that feels predatory, no matter how good the intentions. Sexual, racial, or any other type of harassment will not be tolerated, and we ask each community member to act accordingly and speak up if a situation feels or looks inappropriate.
Hollyhock takes all reports of harassment very seriously and is committed to a fair and open way of dealing with every situation. Our goal is to assure that we have a respectful and caring community.
Hollyhock has adopted a formal Community Policy on Bullying & Harassment. A copy of the Policy is available on our website and is also available at the registration table of the conference. If you are the victim of harassment or a witness to an incident of harassment, please report it to the Workshop Lead or Event Producer as soon as possible.
We thank everyone for their cooperation in keeping Hollyhock a safe place for people to gather, share, reflect, and collaborate.”
Last updated December 2024
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