ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

It is our policy that members and others acting on Pagan Pathways Temple’s behalf are entitled to respectful treatment in our place of worship. Being respected means being treated honestly and professionally, with your unique talents and perspectives valued. A respectful place is about more than compliance with the law. It is an environment that is free of inappropriate behavior of all kinds. We are committed to providing a place of worship in which the dignity of every individual is respected. Each of us should understand that incidents of harassment and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated at Pagan Pathways Temple.

Harassing Conduct

Harassment is unwelcome conduct toward an individual because of his or her race, color, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status, when the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Examples of harassment that may violate the law and will violate this policy include:

  • Oral or written communications that contain offensive name-calling, jokes, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threats. This includes comments or jokes that are distasteful or targeted at individuals or groups based on race, color, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status.
  • Nonverbal conduct, such as staring, leering and giving inappropriate gifts.
  • Physical conduct, such as assault or unwanted touching.
  • Visual images, such as derogatory or offensive pictures, cartoons, drawings or gestures. Such prohibited images include those in hard copy or electronic form.

Sexual harassment

“Sexual harassment” means unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature or unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment includes con- duct directed by a person at another person of the same or opposite gender. Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature includes but is not limited to the deliberate, repeated making of unsolicited gestures or comments of a sexual nature; the deliberate, repeated display of offensive sexually graphic materials which is not necessary for spiritual purposes; or deliberate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, whether or not repeated, that is sufficiently severe  to interfere substantially with an member’s well-being or to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Inappropriate behavior

Our goal is to have an environment where we all treat each other respectfully and professionally. Any unprofessional or disrespectful behavior, even if it does not rise to the level of “harassment,” interferes with that goal and will not be tolerated. Pagan Pathways Temple reserves the right to respond to inappropriate behavior even where no one has complained or indicated they have been offended.

How to report a violation

Do not assume that Pagan Pathways Temple is aware of the problem. It is your responsibility to bring your complaints and concerns to our attention so that we can help resolve them. Immediately report suspected violations of this policy to any member of the Pagan Pathways Temple Board of Directors.

Investigation and response

If you report a complaint of harassment or inappropriate behavior, we will investigate your concerns. Where there has been a violation of policy, we will take appropriate action to try to avoid future violations. In appropriate cases, disciplinary action (up to and including removal from the temple) will be taken against those violating the Anti-Harassment Policy. We will inform parties about the status of reviewing their complaints. To respect the privacy and confidentiality of all people involved, we might not share specific details of the discipline or other action taken.

Leadership responsibility

Every leader, clergy, and board member is responsible for ensuring that Pagan Pathways Temple provides a place of worship free of harassment and inappropriate behavior and that complaints are handled promptly and effectively. Pagan Pathways Temple Board of Directors must inform leaders and clergy about the policy, promptly investigate allegations of harassment, take appropriate disciplinary action, and take steps to assure retaliation is prohibited.

Retaliation is prohibited

This policy strictly prohibits any retaliation against an member or other person who reports a concern about harassment or other inappropriate behavior.

Application

This applies to all members and to anyone else doing business for or with Pagan Pathways Temple. It also applies to all locations and situations where Pagan Pathways Temple business is conducted and to all Pagan Pathways Temple-sponsored social events