Anti-Harassment Policy

The policies below are proposals that we hope to have in a form that can be approved by member vote at the 2013 annual meeting. Discussion is encouraged, particularly on the [email protected] mailing list.

Proposal 1 - Katie

This anti-harassment policy is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers.

HacDC is dedicated to being a harassment-free hackerspace for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment of members or visitors in any form.

Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; unwelcome sexual attention; or violation of any applicable laws. Members and visitors asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a member or visitor engages in harassing behavior, the board of directors or event organizer may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the space or event with no refund. Members violating these rules may be subject to termination of their HacDC membership. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the board of directors or the event organizer immediately.

Members of the board of directors and event organizers will happily help members and visitors contact building security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe and prevent harassment for the duration of their visit at HacDC. We value your attendance.

[email protected] Building security guard hours: Monday - Thursday 6pm - 10pm; Saturday 9am - 2pm DC emergency services: 911 National sexual assault hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) DC Rape Crisis Center: 202-333-RAPE (7273) DC Yellow Cab: 202-TAXICAB (829-4222) Howard University Hospital: (202)865-6100 / 2041 Georgia Avenue NW GWU Hospital: (202) 715-4000 / 900 23rd Street NW

We expect members and visitors to follow these rules at all HacDC-organized events, in the space itself, and in our online spaces including mailing lists and the official IRC channel.

Proposal 2 - Loki

If you feel you are being harassed, please inform those around you. If you are uncomfortable informing those around you, or If this does not resolve the issue, you may bring the issue to the attention of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors are empowered to take any actions they deem necessary, up to and including recommending the revocation of membership status.

If you feel a crime has occurred, please contact the police immediately.

Example of harassment may include, but are not limited to:

• Persistant offensive speech directed at you;
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording;
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events;
• Intentional inappropriate physical contact;
• Unwelcome sexual attention;
• Violation of any applicable laws.

Proposal Gimel - Discussion of topics

It has been suggested that future discussion of the topic of harassment and the harassment policy at HacDC use a similar strategy applied to such topics (including harassment, assault, and sexual abuse) in other communities, that called Buddhist Right Speech. Following are a few links to what this is and where it's been applied.

• 'Right Speech' Policy at ieet.org
• About Right Speech
• Right Speech