Secular Women Work is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Harassment includes, but may not be limited to, verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to race, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, disability status, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, class, gender presentation, language ability, immigration status, or religious affiliation; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and non-consensual sexual attention or abuse; advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Discussions or images related to sex, pornography, discriminatory language, or similar is welcome in presentations and panel discussions if it meets all of the following criteria: (a) the organizers have specifically granted permission in writing, (b) it is necessary to the topic of discussion and no alternative exists, (c) it is presented in a respectful manner, especially towards those who identify as women and LGBTQIA, (d) attendees are warned in advance in the program and respectfully given ample warning and opportunity to leave beforehand. This exception specifically does not allow use of gratuitous sexual images as attention-getting devices or unnecessary examples.
As an attendee discussing these topics in personal conversation, please be aware of your audience. If you feel you may be making someone uncomfortable, or if you are told you are making someone uncomfortable, we expect you will stop immediately and respectfully.
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If an attendee or other conference participant engages in harassing behavior, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This may include, but not be limited to, warning the offender or expulsion of the offender from the conference without refund.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff immediately. Conference staff can be identified by badges with the word “STAFF” on them. Alternative methods of contacting staff can be found under the contact page of secularwomenwork.org. You may also fill out a complaint form here and we will follow up as soon as possible.
When taking a personal report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we’ll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won’t be asked to confront anyone and we won’t tell anyone who you are.
Conference staff will be available to help participants contact hotel/venue security, local law enforcement, provide escorts to and from the venue, or otherwise assist those feeling unsafe for the duration of the conference. We value your participation.
At this point in time, please send all questions and concerns to secularwomenwork@gmail.com.
Local Resources:
Minneapolis Police Department
911 (emergency) and 612-692-TIPS [8477] (anonymous tip line)
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/index.htm
Local Sexual Assault Hotline: Aurora Center at University of Minnesota
http://aurora.umn.edu/
612-626-9111 (helpline operates 24/7, 365 days per year)
Medical: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Fairview Medical Center
https://www.mhealth.org/contact-us
Local Taxi Service:
Download ihail app on your phone or book online at https://www.tplusride.com/
(612-888-8888)