The Hi-liners policies regarding
non-discrimination, harassment, and freedom of expression
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Hi-liners shall provide equal opportunity and treatment for all program
participants in all aspects without regard to race, color, national origin,
religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or
non-program-related physical, or mental or physical disabilities.
Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and
Bullying
The Hi-liners are committed to a safe and civil environment for all
program participants, employees, volunteers, and patrons, free from harassment,
intimidation, or bullying. "Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" means any
intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one
shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 9A.36.030(3), (race, color,
religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental or
physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the
intentional written, verbal, or physical act:
- Physically harms another individual or damages another individual's property;
or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with an individual's
participation in the program; or
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or
threatening environment; or
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of
the program.
Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a
characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
"Other distinguishing characteristics" can include but are not limited to:
physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, gender
identity, ethnicity, illness, pregnancy, family, and marital status. Harassment,
intimidation, or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes,
innuendos, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical
attacks, threats, or other written, oral, or physical actions. "Intentional
acts" refers to the individual's choice to engage in the act rather than the
ultimate impact of the action(s).
This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious,
philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not
substantially disrupt the program environment. Many behaviors that do not
rise to the level of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may still be
prohibited by other policies or program rules. This policy is a component of
the Hi-liner's intent to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful, and
inclusive learning and performing community.
Sexual Harassment
The Hi-liners are committed to a positive and productive education and
working environment free from discrimination, including sexual harassment.
The Hi-liner's prohibits sexual harassment of students, employees and others
involved in Hi-liner's program's and activities.
Sexual harassment occurs when:
- Submitting to the harasser's sexual demands is a stated or implied
condition of obtaining an education or work opportunity or other benefit;
- Submission to or rejection of sexual demands is a factor in an academic,
work or other Hi-liner's-related decision affecting an individual; or
- Unwelcome sexual or gender-directed conduct or communication interferes
with an individual's performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or
offensive environment.
Sexual harassment can occur adult to student, student to adult, student to
student, adult to adult, male to female, female to male, male to male and
female to female.
It is a violation of this policy to knowingly report false allegations of
sexual harassment. Persons found to knowingly report or corroborate false
allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline.
Freedom of Expression
The free expression of opinion is an important part of a democratic society.
Program participants may express oral, written or illustrative opinions so
long as it does not substantially disrupt the operation of the program.
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