Respectful Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy
It is the policy and culture of Higher Logic to promote a respectful workplace that is free from all forms of discriminatory harassment, including, without limitation, sexual harassment. This policy against harassment covers all Higher Logic volunteers and third parties with whom we work, including board members, institutional, system, and subscriber members, sponsors, and outsourced administrative and event support staff. Collectively referenced as “Higher Logic Representatives” throughout this document.
To reinforce this commitment, Higher Logic has developed:
- A respectful and inclusive workplace
- Policies against harassment and discrimination
- A reporting procedure for Higher Logic Representatives who have been subjected to or witnessed harassment.
This policy applies to all Higher Logic-related settings and activities, whether inside or outside the workplace, and includes business trips and business-related social events. Higher Logic property (e.g., computers and computer applications such as e-mail and internet access) may not be used to engage in conduct that violates this policy.
This policy also encompasses harassing electronic communications and online activities directed at a Higher Logic Representative because of the representative’s membership in a protected group, regardless of whether the conduct occurs during Higher Logic work-time or on Higher Logic-approved electronic devices (e.g., derogatory statements or postings about a representative on any social media platform, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. or harassing text messages).
In addition to Higher Logic Representatives, any individual who engages in business dealings with Higher Logic Representatives or is associated with Higher Logic and believes that they have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or other discriminatory harassment in connection with those business dealings is encouraged to make a report under this policy.
Any retaliation against an individual who has complained about harassment or against individuals cooperating with an investigation of a harassment complaint is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated.
Prohibition of Sexual Harassment
Higher Logic’s policy against sexual harassment prohibits sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where:
- Submission to or rejection of such advances, requests, or conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of recognition or advancement, or as a basis for any decision; or
- Such advances, requests, or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or sexually offensive environment.
These definitions include any direct or implied request by anyone for sexual favors in exchange for actual or promised benefits, such as favorable reviews, increased benefits, or continued engagement with Higher Logic, and any sexually oriented conduct by any person, whether it is intended or not, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating an environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating to representatives of either sex.
Prohibition of Other Types of Discriminatory Harassment
There are other forms of harassment that, while not of a sexual nature, are equally serious and prohibited at Higher Logic and prohibited by law. Representatives are also protected from harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability (including mental illness), familial status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity, gender nonconformity, and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), sex (including childbirth, pregnancy, and related medical conditions), political or union affiliation, domestic violence victim status, citizenship, past, current or prospective military service, and any other status protected by law (or that of the individual’s relatives, friends, or associates).
Complaint and Investigation Procedure
If any person covered by this policy believes that they have experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment by a Higher Logic Representative or business associate, the person should report the incident immediately to Higher Logic through our whistleblower mechanism directly. Although reports may be made verbally, representatives are strongly encouraged to make any reports in writing. Doing so can assist in the investigation process.
Anti-Retaliation Policy
Higher Logic is deeply committed to encouraging volunteers, members, and other Higher Logic representatives to come forward with any complaints of discrimination or harassment and to cooperate in any related investigation. Accordingly, Higher Logic prohibits retaliation (including any form of reprisal or intimidation) against any representative for filing in good faith a complaint of discrimination or harassment or for cooperating in the investigation of such a complaint. Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include termination of their position or membership with Higher Logic.