1. Purpose and Commitment
The Humane Choices Foundation (the Organization) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all staff, volunteers, Board members, contractors, and anyone who interacts with the Organization. Harassment and discrimination of any kind are incompatible with the Organization's values of compassion, justice, and equity that underpin its work on behalf of animals, people, and the planet.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all environments associated with the Organization, including its premises, events, online platforms, remote communications, and any other context in which individuals represent or interact with the Organization.
3. Prohibited Conduct
The Organization prohibits harassment and discrimination based on any ground protected under applicable human rights legislation, including:
- Race, colour, ancestry, ethnic origin, or place of origin
- Gender identity, gender expression, or sex
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Disability
- Religion, creed, or belief
- Marital or family status
Harassment includes verbal, written, physical, or electronic conduct that is offensive, demeaning, or unwelcome; creates a hostile or intimidating environment; is repeated despite being asked to stop; or in the case of sexual harassment, involves unwanted sexual attention, advances, requests, or comments.
4. Reporting a Complaint
Any individual who experiences or witnesses harassment or discrimination is encouraged to report it as soon as possible to:
- Human Resources
- The Executive Director
- The Board Chair (if the complaint involves the Executive Director)
- Any Board officer (if the complaint involves the Board Chair)
The Organization will acknowledge receipt of a complaint within five (5) business days.
5. Investigation
All complaints will be investigated promptly, impartially, and with appropriate confidentiality. Both the complainant and the respondent will have an opportunity to present their perspective. Investigations will generally be completed within thirty (30) days.
6. Outcomes and Remedies
Where a complaint is substantiated, the Organization will take appropriate corrective action, which may include:
- A formal apology
- Training or education
- Reassignment or schedule changes
- Suspension or termination of employment or volunteer engagement
- Removal from the Board
7. No Retaliation
Retaliation against any individual who makes a complaint in good faith, participates in an investigation, or supports a complainant is strictly prohibited and will itself be treated as a violation of this policy.
8. Intersectionality and Mission Alignment
The Organization recognizes that justice for animals, people, and the environment are interconnected. An inclusive and anti-oppressive internal culture is central to the credibility and effectiveness of the Organization's advocacy work.
9. Annual Review
This policy will be reviewed annually. All covered individuals will acknowledge having re-read Organization policies at least once annually.
For questions about this policy, please contact us at info@humanechoice.org.