Handling Harassment Reports

Warnings

Any rover, any HR staff, any department head, or any chair of con can issue a verbal warning to a participant that their behavior violates the con's policies. Warnings should be reported to HR as soon as practical. The report should include:

• Identifying information (name/badge number) of the participant
• The time you issued the warning
• The behavior that was in violation
• The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time of warning)
• The circumstances surrounding the incident
• Your identity
• Other people involved in the incident

Any staff or volunteers who witness an incident and are unauthorized to issue a verbal warning must report to rovers or HR immediately.

Due to the perceived "gruffness" of some of our staff, we ask that individuals who are either not authorized, have had any complaints against them, or do not feel comfortable issuing a verbal warning please do not issue a verbal warning themselves.

Presentations

Presentations or similar events should not be stopped for one-time gaffes or minor problems, although a member of conference staff should speak to the presenter afterward. However, staff should take immediate action to politely and calmly stop any presentation or event that repeatedly or seriously violates the anti-harassment policy. For example, simply say "I'm sorry, this presentation cannot be continued at the present time" with no further explanation.

Taking reports

When taking a report from someone experiencing harassment you should record what they say and reassure them they are being taken seriously, but avoid making specific promises about what actions the organizers will take. Ask for any other information if the reporter has not volunteered it (such as time, place) but do not pressure them to provide it if they are reluctant. Even if the report lacks important details such as the identity of the person taking the harassing actions, it should still be recorded and passed along to the appropriate staff member(s). If the reporter desires it, arrange for an escort by con staff or a trusted person, contact a friend, and contact local law enforcement. Do not pressure the reporter to take any action if they do not want to do it. Respect the reporter's privacy by not sharing unnecessary details with others, especially individuals who were not involved with the situation or non-staff members.

The report should include:

• Identifying information (name/badge number) of the participant
• The time you issued the warning
• The behavior that was in violation
• The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time of warning)
• The circumstances surrounding the incident
• Your identity
• Other people involved in the incident

Expulsion

A participant may be expelled by the decision of the chairs for whatever reasons they deem sufficient. However, here are some general guidelines for when a participant should be expelled:

• A third offense resulting in a warning from staff
• Continuing to harass after any "No" or "Stop" instruction
• A pattern of harassing behavior, with or without warnings
• A single serious offense (e.g., punching or groping someone)
• A single obviously intentional offense (e.g., taking up-skirt photos)

Hotel/venue security and local authorities should be contacted when appropriate.

(Should get venue security contacts and Sparks non-emergency police line here)

Public statements

As a general rule, conference staff should not make any public statements about the behavior of individual people during or after the conference.

In general, consult with other staff members when possible but act when necessary.

References

• This text was modified from: Policy Which has also been used by many other cons.
• Also see this text: Responding to Reports to further build this page to what we need it to be.