Anti-Harassment Policy - Back to Governance Policies
The Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) is dedicated to providing harassment-free events for everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. We do not tolerate harassment in any form of anyone attending an AIST event.
Harassing behaviors include: offensive verbal comments related to age, race, religion, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation; the use or display of sexual images, activities or commentary in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of events; or inappropriate physical contact.
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Participants violating this policy may be sanctioned or expelled from the event or the membership at the discretion of the AIST leadership.
Procedures to Resolve Complaints Associated with the Anti-Harassment Policy
Jurisdiction: These procedures apply to any complaint report alleging a violation of the AIST Anti-Harassment Policy (hereinafter the “Policy”) unless the accused harasser and/or any alleged victims are employees of AIST, in which case specific procedures related to employment shall be followed.
Anonymous Reports and Requests for Anonymity: All complaints that report an alleged violation of the Policy, including those that are made anonymously, will be investigated. If a reporting party requests anonymity, he or she will be advised that, where possible, efforts will be made to protect the identity of the reporter, but AIST’s commitment to a full and thorough investigation means that complete anonymity and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. AIST will inform the reporter and all others who participate in the investigation that AIST will not tolerate any retaliation, which should be reported to AIST immediately.
Protection of Information: AIST will make reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the process, any investigation or resolution, and all individuals involved with the process. While the AIST Investigator will treat information received with appropriate sensitivity, the AIST Investigator may nonetheless need to share certain information with others involved in the investigation including those responsible for implementing any resulting sanctions. During an investigation, witnesses may be able to determine the identity of the parties (or other witnesses) based on their involvement in the incident leading to the investigation.
False Reports/Providing False Information: Intentionally submitting a materially false statement in bad faith in connection with a complaint report, or during an investigation, may itself be investigated as a violation of the Policy. However, AIST presumes reports of prohibited conduct are made in good faith. A finding that the alleged behavior does not constitute a violation of the Policy or that there is insufficient evidence to establish the alleged conduct occurred as reported does not mean the report was made in bad faith.
Response to Reports: To enforce and support the Policy, and to resolve reports of complaints related thereto, AIST will respond to claims of harassing behaviors that are determined by the AIST Investigator to fall within jurisdiction of the Policy.
Notice of Allegations: At some point during the investigation, the AIST Investigator will provide the accused with a description of the allegation(s) and a full opportunity to address it (them). AIST shall direct the accused to not: (1) contact anyone believed to be a victim or witness; (2) otherwise impede, influence or interfere with the investigation in any way; (3) retaliate against anyone suspected of reporting a concern or participating in AIST’s investigation; or (4) destroy evidence that may be relevant to the investigation.
Timing: AIST Investigators will make efforts to complete the investigation of complaints in a reasonable amount of time.
Investigation Process: The allegations in the complaint report will be investigated as discreetly and expeditiously as possible with due regard to thoroughness and impartiality. The AIST Investigator will collect testimonials, statements, documents, communications and other available evidence. The AIST Investigator will interview the Parties, witnesses, and other individuals. The AIST investigator may interview the accused and/or any alleged victims more than once to address information gathered during the investigation. The AIST Investigator will compile the information gathered and submit it in its entirety to the Executive Committee of the AIST Board of Directors (EC-BOD), which shall review all information gathered during the investigation, make credibility decisions if there is conflicting information, request additional investigation, conclude whether any violation(s) occurred, and determine appropriate sanctions, if any. The EC-BOD shall conduct its duties confidentially and not discuss or disclose any information regarding those duties with anyone other than the AIST Investigator.
Sanctions: The course of action may result in the imposition of sanctions. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to:
oral reprimand and warning;
written reprimand and warning;
probation, suspension or expulsion from membership;
prohibition from attending AIST programs and events;
notification to member’s employer; and
notification to law enforcement.
Notice of Determination: Following the investigation process by the EC-BOD, the AIST Investigator will issue a written determination regarding responsibility, if any, to the accused. If the accused is found responsible for a violation of the Policy, the decision will include a determination regarding sanctions.
Retaliation: AIST prohibits retaliation against any individual: for reporting an allegation of a violation of the Policy; for cooperating or participating in an investigation or another proceeding related to such allegations; or refusing to participate in any investigation or proceeding related to such allegations. Complaints or incidents of retaliation will be addressed as separate violations.
Appeals: Any person who has had sanctions applied may submit a written appeal to the AIST Executive Director within ten (10) business days following the decision. The appeal must explain specifically why the person believes the decision should be lifted or modified. The AIST President, or their designee, will render a written decision within ten (10) business days following receipt of the appeal.
Records Retention: All information will be documented and retained in accordance with the AIST Records Retention Policy. Documents related to actual complaints will be marked “Private and Confidential”.
Adopted by AIST Executive Committee on 12 July 2022.