Respectful Environment Policy

The Community Centre is responsible for providing members with a Respectful Environment free from discrimination, harassment, disruptive conflict and violence. This includes: sexual harassment and harassment based on race or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability and sexual orientation.

Disrespectful Behavior is improper behavior that is unwelcome and inappropriate. It may happen once or continue over time. It can include:

• Rude comments and swearing as well as spreading unfounded or misinformed rumors that damage reputations.
• Actions that invade privacy, personal property or unwelcomed gestures.
• Displays or distribution of printed or electronic material that offends.

A Disruptive Conflict is defined as an ongoing dispute or a communication breakdown between two or more individuals that impacts their ability to work productively and cooperatively in the Community Centre.

Harassment is any behaviour that demeans, humiliates or embarrasses a person, and that a respectful person should have known   would be unwelcome. It may be a single incident or continue over time. It includes:

• Verbal abuse
• Actions such as touching or pushing
• Comments such as rude jokes and name calling
• Displays such as posters and cartoons which are offensive
• Abuses of power such as threats or coercion

There shall be no discrimination or harassment as defined by the Manitoba Human Rights Code which includes the following characteristics: ancestry, race, ethnic or national origin, political belief, religion, family status, sexual orientation, source of income, and physical or mental disability.

Violence is defined as a threat that may include but is not limited to any act, gesture or statement that may be interpreted as threatening or potentially violent. A violent act is one that causes or may cause physical harm to persons or damage to property. The Luxton Community Centre is committed to providing an environment safe from threats and violence for all members. Any member who engages in such acts will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from club activities.

It is expected that all members, patrons. volunteers, and employees will contribute to this Respectful Environment.

The Process

Step 1: Resolve the Problem on Your Own

• The person who objects to the unwelcome behavior is encouraged to approach the other party directly and ask that the behavior stop. If it does not stop the person who objects should proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Problem Solving

• The Board of Directors or designate will assess the circumstances surrounding the situation by obtaining information from the two parties involved. It is the responsibility of the Board to obtain the facts about what occured so that it can respond to the allegations and take corrective action. In accordance with policies and the Manitoba Human Rights Code, the Board bears the responsibility of ensuring that there is no violation of the principles of a Respectful Environment and will resolve the situation.

Board of Directors
Luxton Community Centre

Date: October 19, 2001