The Shifting Gears United Inc (SGU) anti-harassment policy expresses our
commitment to maintain an organization that’s free of harassment, so all participating
individuals can feel safe. SGU will not tolerate anyone intimidating,
humiliating or sabotaging others in our organization. SGU also prohibits willful
discrimination based on [age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, racial, religion or disability.]
Scope
This organizational harassment policy applies to all employees, contractors, public
visitors, volunteers, athletes, customers and anyone else with whom these individuals
come into contact with at SGU events, meetings, social events, practices or other SGU
sponsored or organized functions.
Policy elements
What is the definition of harassment in the organization?
Harassment includes bullying, intimidation, direct insults, malicious gossip and
victimization. SGU can’t create an exhaustive list, but here are some instances that we
consider harassment:
- Sabotaging someone’s work on purpose.
- Engaging in frequent or unwanted advances of any nature.
- Commenting derogatorily on a person’s ethnic heritage or religious beliefs.
- Starting or spreading rumors about a person’s personal life.
- Ridiculing someone in front of others or singling them out to perform tasks
unrelated to their job (e.g. bringing coffee) against their will.
Sexual harassment is illegal and SGU will seriously investigate relevant reports. If an
individual is found guilty of sexual harassment, there participation will be terminated.
How to address harassment
If you’re being harassed, whether by a colleague, customer or vendor, you can choose
to talk to any of these people:
- Offenders. If you suspect that an offender doesn’t realize they are guilty of
harassment, you could talk to them directly in an effort to resolve the issue. This
tactic is appropriate for cases of minor harassment (e.g. inappropriate jokes
between colleagues.) - SGU Management. If customers, stakeholders or team members are involved in
your claim, you may reach out to the SGU President
