Safe space policy

ARTICLE I - PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1. Purpose. The purpose of this Friendly Space Policy ("Policy") is to ensure that events held by Wikimedia District of Columbia ("Wikimedia DC") are free of harassment and other unwelcome behavior.

2. Scope. This Policy applies to all events where Wikimedia DC has both authority and reasonable means to implement the provisions of this Policy.

ARTICLE II - PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

1. Prohibited Behavior. Prohibited behavior shall include, but shall not be limited to:

(a) Unwelcome or offensive comments related to race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, religion, or marital status;

(b) The display of sexual content and imagery, or content that is otherwise graphic, without adequate prior notice;

(c) Deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwelcome following, harassing photography or recording;

(d) Sustained disruption of talks or other events

(e) Inappropriate physical contact;

(f) Unwelcome sexual attention; and

(g) Any other behavior that Wikimedia DC reasonably determines would interfere with its events or the safety and comfort of participants.

2. Exhibitors. Exhibitors, including sponsor booth operators, shall not use sexualized images or promote sexual activities. Exhibitors, including associated staff and volunteers, shall not use sexualized clothing, uniforms, or costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment. Exhibitors shall represent to Wikimedia District of Columbia that they agree to comply with the Friendly Space Policy prior to operating any exhibitions.

3. Corrective Action. Any person who engages in prohibited behavior may be subject to corrective action, as described in this Policy.

ARTICLE III - RESPONSIBLE AGENTS

1. Responsible Agents. The following are considered to be agents of Wikimedia DC for the purposes of implementing and enforcing this Policy ("Responsible Agents"):

(a) The President of Wikimedia DC (the "President");

(b) The Safe Space Committee; and

(c) Any additional person or persons delegated by the President to carry out actions pursuant to this Policy, provided that such delegation is made in writing and is not inconsistent with the applicable provisions of the Delegation of Authority Policy.

2. Primary Point of Contact. The Safe Space Committee shall serve as the primary point of contact for receiving reports that arise under this Policy, unless the President determines an alternative point of contact is suitable for a particular event.

ARTICLE IV - CORRECTIVE ACTION

1. Authority. A decision to take corrective action pursuant to the provisions of this Policy shall only be made by a Responsible Agent. Under no circumstances shall any person who is not a Responsible Agent authorize such action to be taken, and any such authorization shall be null and void.

2. Cause for Action. Corrective action may be taken in any circumstance where prohibited behavior has occurred, is occurring, or can reasonably be expected to occur.

3. No Limitation. Any incidence of prohibited behavior may be subject to corrective action regardless of the severity of such behavior; regardless of whether such behavior is isolated or repeated; and regardless of whether such behavior constitutes an illegal act under any applicable law or regulation.

4. Witnessing Prohibited Behavior. A Responsible Agent who personally witnesses a person engaged in prohibited behavior shall be authorized to immediately take corrective action.

5. Reports of Prohibited Behavior. A Responsible Agent who receives a report of prohibited behavior from another person shall take reasonable steps to determine whether such behavior actually took place prior to taking any corrective action. This may include questioning witnesses, but a lack of witnesses shall not be deemed to prohibit corrective action with regard to the report.

6. Form of Action. A Responsible Agent may take such corrective action as is reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this policy and to protect the safety and interests of event attendees and Wikimedia DC. Permitted action shall include, but shall not be limited to:

(a) Facilitating apologies and reconciliation;

(b) Warning the offending party;

(c) Expelling the offending party from part or all of an event;

(d) Prohibiting the offending party from attending future events; and

(e) Reporting the offending party to venue security or law enforcement.

7. Incident Reporting. Corrective action shall be promptly reported to the Board of Directors. The report shall include identifying information of the participant, the time the action was taken, the behavior that was in violation, the approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time of action), the circumstances surrounding the incident, your identity, and other people involved in the incident.

7. Refunds. If any person is removed from an event for which an admission fee is charged as a result of corrective action taken under this Policy, Wikimedia DC shall refund such admission fee to the person in question.

8. Banned Attendees. Any Responsible Agent who witnesses an individual attending an event after having been banned from Wikimedia DC events shall promptly seek his or her removal from the venue by contacting venue security or law enforcement.

ARTICLE V - NOTICES

1. Notices at Events. A notice regarding this Policy shall be publicly posted at any event to which it applies, provided that Wikimedia DC has both authority and reasonable means to effect such posting.

2. Sample Notice. The following sample notice may be used as the notice regarding this policy at events:

Wikimedia DC is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, religion, or marital status.

Harassment includes verbal comments that reinforce social domination (sexism, racism, etc.), sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. This applies to everyone, including event staff and sponsors. Our friendly space policy can be found at <http://wikimediadc.org/wiki/Friendly_space_policy>.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of event staff immediately. Conference staff will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference. We value your attendance.

[Contact information for Space Space Committee and/or other Responsible Agent(s), local law enforcement, local sexual assault hotline, emergency and non-emergency medical resources, taxi companies.]

3. Notice Regarding Potentially Offensive Topics. Any person who intends to discuss or present material related to potentially sensitive or offensive topics at an event is encouraged to provide appropriate notice to attendees prior to engaging in such discussion or presentation.