Chicago Alliance LARP Harassment Policy
Chicago Alliance LARP, as a whole, including; staff, owners, players and volunteers, is committed to maintaining an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to play in an environment free from discriminatory harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or membership in any other class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. In keeping with this commitment, Chicago Alliance LARP will not tolerate discriminatory harassment of members at game, or game related activities by anyone. Chicago Alliance LARP is committed to promptly investigating all complaints of discriminatory harassment, and to taking prompt and effective remedial action to stop such conduct from occurring.
Definition and Examples of Discriminatory Harassment
Discriminatory Harassment consists of unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, visual or physical, that is based on an individual’s protected status, such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or membership in any other class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, that creates an intimidating, coercive, hostile, or offensive environment. Examples of this type of conduct may include, but are not limited to: making slurs or epithets; stereotyping; removing accommodations or corrective devices provided to or used by a disabled individual; and excluding individuals from the use of, or making them feel uncomfortable in their use of, facilities because of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or membership in any other class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Sexual Harassment is a specific type of discriminatory harassment consisting of unwelcome or unwanted sexual attention, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct or a sexual nature or other offensive behavior directed towards a member because of, or on account of, their gender or sexual orientation. Examples of the types of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: unwelcome sexual advances, propositions, flirtations, demands for sexual favors; unwanted and unnecessary physical contact (such as grabbing, rubbing, patting, pinching, touching, or hugging); demands for sexual favors in exchange for favorable treatment; display of pornographic material; excessively offensive remarks, including unwelcome graphic or suggestive comments about an individual’s body, appearance, dress, sexual prowess or deficiencies; obscene jokes; the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; and any other unwelcome or unwanted conduct of sexual nature, such as leering, whistling, staring, name calling.
Reporting Harassment
Chicago Alliance LARP encourages members who believe that they are being harassed to promptly notify the offender(s) that the behavior is unwelcome and must stop immediately.
If a member chooses not to confront the offending individual(s) directly, or if the conduct continues after they have told the individual(s) to stop, the member should immediately inform a Chicago Alliance LARP staff member.
Members who witness or who have information regarding discriminatory harassment are also encouraged to report such information promptly to Chicago Alliance LARP staff.
Investigating Complaints
Chicago Alliance LARP will investigate all allegations of discriminatory harassment in as thorough, prompt, and confidential manner as is reasonably possible. Chicago Alliance LARP will undertake all inquiries with due regard to the privacy of all parties involved consistent with a thorough and appropriate investigation.
Retaliation is Strictly Prohibited
Chicago Alliance LARP, as a whole, including; staff, owners, players and volunteers, will not retaliate against an individual who, in good faith, makes a report of discriminatory harassment or provides information concerning an act of discriminatory harassment, nor permits any member to do so. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and will not be tolerated. Persons who engage in retaliatory activity are in direct violation of this policy and will be disciplined accordingly, up to and including immediate suspension. Complaints and information of retaliation are subject to the same reporting, investigation, and remedial procedures as harassment complaints.
Resolving the Complaint
If Chicago Alliance LARP determines that a member has violated this policy against discriminatory harassment and retaliation, disciplinary action will be taken commensurate with Chicago Alliance LARP’s judgement as to the seriousness of the particular offense, up to, and including, immediate suspension or banning. Disciplinary action imposed on a member may include, without limitation, one or more of the following: a verbal and/or written reprimand; temporary suspension; or an indefinite ban.
While this policy sets forth Chicago Alliance LARP’s standards for promoting a game that is free from discriminatory harassment, this policy does not limit Chicago Alliance LARP’s authority or ability to discipline or take any other remedial action for game conduct determined to be inappropriate, regardless of whether the conduct meets the definition of discriminatory harassment.
Chicago Alliance LARP is committed to enforcing this policy in order to ensure that all members are able to enjoy a game that is free from discriminatory harassment and retaliation. It is expected that all members will be committed to making this policy a success.