Membership within Northern Indiana Atheists and participation in any NIA sponsored event is contingent upon accepting and abiding by this harassment policy.

ANTI-harassment policy & COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

Northern Indiana Atheists places great value on freedom of speech and the ability to challenge ideas. We believe that vigorous debate about beliefs and the actions that result from them is valuable. No idea is sacred. No idea is inherently worthy of respect, and not all ideas are equally meritorious. People, on the other hand, are worthy of respect. Attacking individuals, instead of their ideas, is not appropriate and may cross the line into harassment. We believe that vigorous, and even contentious, debates about the merits of ideas, especially religious beliefs, can take place without denigrating the people involved in the debate.

DEFINITION OF HARASSMENT

Harassment includes offensive comments (especially regarding: race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, and/or age), sexual or hateful 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, as well as any other behaviors that create a risk to personal health and safety, with final decision in the hands of the NIA Board of Directors.

NIA ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

Northern Indiana Atheists is committed in all areas to promoting an environment that is free from harassment. Harassment for any reason will not be tolerated. All NIA Members, especially Board Members, are expected and required to abide by this policy at all times, towards members and non-members alike. Any infractions by members should be reported to any NIA Board Member.

Participants at any NIA-sponsored event asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Members, their guests, visitors to the group, speakers, vendors, booth operators, exhibitors, or others associated with a NIA event are all equally subject to the anti-harassment policy.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, an NIA Board Member may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event [with no refund]. Any actions taken must be reported to the NIA Board of Directors, following the Reporting Procedure outlined below.

Nothing in the policy is intended to prohibit, restrict, or police, consensual activity or discussion between adults. The key element in avoiding a charge of harassment is to obtain an affirmative “yes” to behavior toward others, and not just an absence of “no.” It is always appropriate to ask if your behavior toward someone is welcome.

REPORTING PROCEDURE

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please notify a member of the NIA Board of Directors immediately. You may also make a report by email [contact@northernindianaatheists.com] or by phone [574.387.3731].

If an incident occurs at an official NIA event, event staff and/or the NIA Board of Directors will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.