Queer Northshore’s Anti-Harassment Policy*

Queer Northshore (QNS) is unequivocally committed to the eradication of discrimination (both intentional and unintentional), harassment, intimidation, and violence (both physical and mental) directed at individuals and groups based on, but not limited to, race and ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, class, nationality and immigrant status, ability, and religion. Further, QNS does not condone social systems and institutions that perpetuate sexual, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse in U.S. society. We are keenly aware of how systems of oppression operate to oppose those who are abused (in all forms), and against those who show courage in calling out their abusers. We condemn these systems strongly. Further, because we understand how power works, both at the individual and structural levels, QNS is strongly committed against actions and stances that would blame the victims.
 
QNS defines offensive and prohibited conduct as actions that may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, name calling, physical assaults and threats, unwanted touching and persistent unwanted attention and invasion of personal space, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, and insults and put-downs. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is engaged in without clear affirmative consent. Discriminatory and harassing actions are prohibited both when they are directed at specific individuals and groups and when they create a hostile environment.
 
This policy addresses harassment that involves QNS members in general. By joining QNS, and through registering for events and/or partaking in any activities related to QNS, members of QNS agree to comply with the policies, rules, regulations, and bylaws of QNS. Failure to adhere to the policies, rules, regulations, and bylaws are ground for immediate removal from QNS. In addition, further action may be taken to disassociate QNS from offenders to include, but limited to, rescinding awards, titles, or other accolades given by QNS, and/or revoking membership in QNS.
 
* We give credit to the Association for Humanist Sociology (AHS), Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP), and Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), from which much of this language is derived.