The ReCenter Foundation is committed to providing a living environment for all Residents that is free from sexual harassment and other types of discriminatory harassment.  Residents are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and to show respect for other Residents.

The ReCenter Foundation’s commitment begins with the recognition and acknowledgment that sexual harassment and other types of discriminatory harassment are, of course, unlawful.  To reinforce this commitment, The ReCenter Foundation has developed a policy against harassment and a reporting procedure for Residents who have been subjected to or witnessed harassment.  This policy applies to all settings and activities, whether inside or outside the Residential facility, and includes event trips and social events.

The ReCenter Foundation’s property (e.g., telephones, copy machines, facsimile machines, computers, and computer applications such as e‐mail and Internet access) may not be used to engage in conduct that violates this policy.  The Foundation’s policy against harassment covers Residents and other individuals who have a relationship with The ReCenter Foundation which enables The Foundation to exercise some control over the individual’s conduct in places and activities that relate to Foundation’s work (e.g., directors, officers, contractors, colleagues, volunteers, etc.).

Prohibition of Sexual Harassment: The ReCenter Foundation’s policy against sexual harassment prohibits sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature, when: (1) submission to such conduct is made an express or implicit condition of acceptance into the facility; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for favorable decisions affecting the individual who submits to or rejects such conduct; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a Resident’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive living environment.

While it is not possible to list all the circumstances which would constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples: (1) unwelcome sexual advances ‐‐ whether they involve physical touching or not; (2) requests for sexual favors in exchange for actual or promised benefits such as favorable reviews, promotions, increased benefits, or continued residency; or (3) coerced sexual acts.

Depending on the circumstances, the following conduct may also constitute sexual harassment: (1) use of sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life; (2) sexually oriented comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess; (3) displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons; (4) unwelcome leering, whistling, deliberate brushing against the body in a suggestive manner; (5) sexual gestures or sexually suggestive comments; (6) inquiries into one’s sexual experiences; or (7) discussion of one’s sexual activities.

While such behavior, depending on the circumstances, may not be severe or pervasive enough to create a sexually hostile living environment, it can nonetheless make other Residents uncomfortable.  Accordingly, such behavior is inappropriate and may result in disciplinary action regardless of whether it is unlawful.

It is also unlawful and expressly against The ReCenter Foundation’s policy to retaliate against a Resident for filing a complaint of sexual harassment or for cooperating with an investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment.

Prohibition of Other Types of Discriminatory Harassment

It is also against The ReCenter Foundation’s policy to engage in verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his or her race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or other protected category (or that of the individual’s relatives, friends, or associates) that: (1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive living environment; (2) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance; or (3) otherwise adversely affects an individual’s advancement opportunities.

Depending on the circumstances, the following conduct may constitute discriminatory harassment: (1) epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, jokes, or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability; and (2) written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual or group because of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability and that is circulated in the workplace, or placed anywhere in The ReCenter Foundation’s premises such as on a Resident’s desk or living space or on the Foundation’s equipment or bulletin boards.  Other conduct may also constitute discriminatory harassment if it falls within the definition of discriminatory harassment set forth above.

Reporting of Harassment: If you believe that you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or other discriminatory harassment by another Resident or staff member, report the incident immediately to a Resident Leader or Director.  Possible harassment by others with whom The ReCenter Foundation has a relationship should also be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken.

The ReCenter Foundation will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of harassment as discreetly and confidentially as practicable.  The investigation would generally include a private interview with the person making a report of harassment.  It would also generally be necessary to discuss allegations of harassment with the accused individual and others who may have information relevant to the investigation. The ReCenter Foundation’s goal is to conduct a thorough investigation, to determine whether harassment occurred, and to determine what action to take if it is determined that improper behavior occurred.

If The Foundation determines that a violation of this policy has occurred, it will take appropriate disciplinary action against the offending party, which can include counseling, warnings, and dismissal.  Residents who report violations of this policy and Residents who cooperate with investigations into alleged violations of this policy will not be subject to retaliation. 

Compliance with this policy is a condition of each Resident’s and staff member’s continued involvement in the Foundation.  Residents are encouraged to raise any questions or concerns about this policy or about possible discriminatory harassment with a Resident Leader or Director

Certification of Policy Acknowledgment and Agreement

By typing my full name below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this policy and agree to abide by its terms and restrictions.