Statement of policy
Inter Pares strives to provide a trauma-informed safe space for participants at its events, where we may all learn and connect in a professional atmosphere. Inter Pares does not tolerate harassment of attendees, staff, or any third party in any form. Use of sexual or discriminatory language, conduct and imagery is not appropriate for any Inter Pares event. Violators of this Event Anti-Harassment Policy may be sanctioned or expelled from the event and any future event at the discretion of the Inter Pares.
Definition of harassment
Harassment consists engaging in comments, course of action, or conduct that is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome. It includes, but is not limited to, demeaning or offensive verbal or written comments or physical or visual conduct related to gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin, religion, age, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by law; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; or inappropriate physical contact. Attendees asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately and will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth below.
Definition of sexual harassment
Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome or unwanted sexual conduct or comment(s) directed at an individual when that person reasonably knows or ought to know that the attention is unwanted or unwelcome. By way of example, sexual harassment may include such conduct as sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal comments or physical actions of a sexual nature; sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; an unwelcome display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; sexually explicit jokes; and offensive, unwanted physical contact such as patting, pinching, grabbing, groping, or constant brushing against another’s body. Attendees asked to stop any sexually harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
Scope of policy
This events anti-harassment policy applies to all attendees at Inter Pares events, who are expected to comply with this policy at all event venues and event-related social events. Inter Pares representatives (staff, members of Board of Directors, volunteers, consultants) and counterpart representatives are subject to Inter Pares’ policy on the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, with which this policy conforms.
Reporting an incident
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please reach out to Sam McGavin (Executive Director), Deepa Mattoo (Chair), or any Inter Pares representative with which you feel comfortable discussing the matter.
Complaints will be treated seriously and will be investigated promptly. Inter Pares staff will be happy to assist those experiencing harassment in whatever measures would enable them to feel safe for the duration of the event.
Disciplinary action
All reports of harassment will be directed immediately to Inter Pares’ Executive Director, who may consult with and engage other Inter Pares staff, leaders and legal counsel as appropriate. Event security and/or local law enforcement may be involved, as appropriate based on the specific circumstances.
In response to a report of harassment, Inter Pares staff may take any action they deem appropriate, including actions ranging from a verbal warning to ejection from the event (without a refund in the case of paid events) and a prohibition from participating in future Inter Pares events. Procedural steps contained in Inter Pares’ policy on the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment will be invoked as required.