Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy

Introduction:

The Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) has a zero-tolerance policy for unlawful and inappropriate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, meetings and educational events (in-person and virtual), selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services and apply to all members, attendees, vendors, sponsors, exhibitors, guests, association staff, etc.

Behavior and language that are welcome/acceptable to one person may be unwelcome/offensive to another. Consequently, individuals must use discretion to ensure that their words and actions communicate respect for others.

Definitions

For the sake of this policy, the following definitions shall be used to determine if discrimination or harassment has occurred.

Discrimination: refers to bias or prejudice resulting in denial of opportunity, or unfair treatment regarding selection, promotion, or transfer. Discrimination includes, but is not limited to, comments or behaviors practiced commonly on the grounds of factors which are irrelevant to a person’s competence of suitability (age, disability, ethnicity, origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, etc.).

Harassment: Harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. Harassment refers to unwelcome conduct such as verbal or written comments and behaviors that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, race, age, veteran status, religion, etc., deliberate intimidation or “stalking” or excessive following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, and advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior. Sexual harassment is a specific form of harassment including, but is not limited to inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions, verbal or written comments or physical actions of a sexual nature, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, and a display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures and sexually explicit jokes.

Review & Enforcement

If discrimination or harassment has been reported, prompt and appropriate action by NOA Staff and/or Volunteer Leadership to investigate the report and take action is required.

If it is determined that discrimination or harassment has occurred, the consequences shall be determined by NOA staff and/or Volunteer Leadership and may include any and all actions from a verbal warning, up to and including expulsion from the meeting or membership within the organization (with no refund). Here are some general guidelines for when a participant should be expelled:

  • Continuing to harass after any "No" or "Stop" instruction
  • A pattern of harassing behavior
  • A single serious offense (e.g., punching, groping, assault, threats, etc.)
  • A single obviously intentional offense (e.g., offensive pictures or objects)

When deemed appropriate, local authorities and/or, in the case of a meeting, security will be contacted.

Updated: May 2024