PA State Democrats (SLDC) Code of Conduct

RESOLUTION – ADOPTION OF CODE OF CONDUCT REGARDING DISCRIMINATION
AND HARASSMENT FOR STATE PARTY ACTIVITIES
WHEREAS the Pennsylvania Democratic Party recognizes that discrimination and harassment
are unlawful and immoral, and that we as Democrats do not tolerate such hostile or
discriminatory behavior within society or our Party;
WHEREAS The Pennsylvania Democratic Party is dedicated to providing a
discrimination and harassment-free experience in all Party activities for everyone;
WHEREAS the Pennsylvania Democratic Party does not tolerate discrimination against or
harassment of participants at our events in any form, and per Democratic National Committee
policy strives to create a safe, inclusive space;
WHEREAS the members of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party recognize that it is our
collective responsibility to ensure that each member of our community feels welcome
and respected;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Pennsylvania Democratic Party hereby
adopts the following Code of Conduct for all state, county, and local Democratic Party
activities and events:
CODE OF
CONDUCT
In conjunction with and addition to the rules of the Democratic National Committee, The
Pennsylvania Democratic Party is dedicated to providing a discrimination and harassment-free
environment for everyone, and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any
unlawful basis, including but not limited to race, gender, sex, gender identity and expression,
sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnicity, ancestry, age, national origin and immigration
status, religion, creed, marital status, familial status, economic status, or domestic or sexual
violence victim status.
Harassment includes, but is not limited
to:
• Offensive remarks, slurs, epithets, name calling, ridicule, threats, or
gestures
• Inappropriate images in public
spaces
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following of persons or witnesses to
harassment
• Inappropriate physical contact or
assault.
• Unwelcome attention
• Coercing inappropriate sexual or other conduct in exchange for a
benefit
• Retaliation against complainant or witnesses to
harassment
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior Furthermore,
intoxication is never an excuse to disrespect, harass, or harm others.
Enforcement
If a participant engages in discriminatory or harassing behavior at an event, organizers retain
the right to take any appropriate action to keep the event a welcoming environment for all
participants, including but not limited to warning the purported offender and expelling persons
from the event with no refund. Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed
to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting
the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. Additionally, offenders may be
subject to expulsion from or other discipline regarding any party office held, in accordance with
Party rules, procedures, and bylaws.
Participants asked to stop any discriminatory or harassing behavior are expected to comply
immediately.
As an expectation of appropriate and lawful behavior, Exhibitors, sponsors, and vendors are
also subject to this Code of Conduct, as are visiting candidates and anyone else participating in
Party events.
We expect all party members to follow these rules in all party relationships and
activities.
The Party will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who has filed a good-faith complaint or
provided information in support thereof, and acts of retaliation themselves violate this code of
conduct.
Reportin
g
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it to a state
party elected officer, state party appointed official or staff member as soon as possible.
You can make a report
by:
• Contacting a state party officer, official or staff member. In some cases, we may also
ask you to file a written complaint.
• For criminal activity, calling 911 or the local police district.
When taking a personal report at a party event, our staff will strive to ensure you are safe and
cannot be overheard. They may involve other party staff to ensure your report is managed
properly. Once safe, we'll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but
we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won't
be asked to confront anyone and if requested we won't tell anyone who you are. However,
further proceedings may be subject to full disclosure to provide appropriate due process and to
insure the rights of all parties are protected.
The proper Party officials will conduct an appropriate investigation, and allow parties and
witnesses to present evidence and information relevant to the complaint. In most cases, the
proper Party official shall be the State Party Chairman or her/his designee. If the accused is the
State Party Chairman, the proper Party official shall be the Vice Chair or her/his designee. The
proper Party officials shall decide the penalty to be sought, up to and including expulsion from
Party office, subject to Party rules and by-laws governing procedure. If the offense is related to
officers or officials of the party, then the report should be made to any member of the Executive
Committee in consultation with State Party counsel and the official in question shall be recused
from any role in any further Party proceedings on the related matter.
Submitted
by,
Lois Herr, State Committee member
Mary Ellen Balchunis, State Committee Member
FINAL VERSION 2-10-18: As enacted via unanimous vote