MWA Anti Harassment Policy

Commitment

The Maryland Writers’ Association (MWA) is dedicated to providing a welcome, professional, safe, and harassment-free environment for everyone at the MWA conference, chapter and board meetings, and other MWA-sponsored events. 

Prohibited Conduct

MWA prohibits harassment of any kind toward any person. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate conduct based on characteristics such as actual or perceived race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, age, religion, ability, marriage or family structure, or socioeconomic class. Examples include quid pro quo sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual attention or advances, requests for sexual favors, unwelcome touching, verbal or physical harassment of a sexual or degrading nature, sexually explicit images, inappropriate physical contact, derogatory or abusive verbal or written comments, intimidation, stalking, body policing, sustained disruption of events or talks, bullying, and unwelcome photography or recording, doxing, and coercion.  

Harassment under this policy does not include respectful disagreement or reasonable and respectful exchange or critique made in good faith. 

Reporting Procedure

MWA supports those who confront harassment in their writing and conduct. We encourage our members to hold one another accountable, report objectionable, offensive or harassing behavior, and be good stewards of our volunteer-driven organization.  Any person who believes there has been a violation of this Anti-Harassment Policy is encouraged to notify an MWA officer and/or the conference registration desk immediately.

Investigation and Disciplinary Action

MWA has zero tolerance for and takes all allegations of harassment seriously. Complaints will be investigated and handled in a professional, expeditious, and confidential manner.  Any person found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including: warning the party involved of and to cease inappropriate behavior, immediate removal from an event or meeting, membership termination without refund, denial of access to MWA venues (temporarily or permanently), withholding of contracted honorarium, cancellation of future engagements, and discharge from MWA leadership positions. 

Non-Retaliation

MWA has zero tolerance for and prohibits retaliation against anyone for reporting harassment or for participating in an investigation relating to any complaint made under this policy. The same disciplinary actions as stated in the above paragraph may apply.

Confidentiality

MWA will make every reasonable effort to protect the confidentiality of all parties and witnesses during investigations into allegations of harassment. However, confidentiality is not absolute, and those with a legitimate reason to know will be informed of the allegations. Parties to the complaint should treat the matter under investigation with discretion and respect the reputation of all parties involved.

Ratified:  July 19, 2021