[hs-equality] one hackerspace's anti-harassment policy and diversity statement

[Katie Bechtold]

Hi folks! We at HacDC just celebrated our five-year anniversary, and I
wanted to share one of our recent accomplishments -- namely, our members'
voting overwhelmingly to adopt the anti-harassment policy and diversity
statement below. In drafting these policies we drew heavily from Dreamwidth
Studios‘ Diversity Statement and the example conference anti-harassment
policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other
volunteers. I hope other hackerspaces will join us in adopting similar
policies to reinforce their commitment to provide a safe, welcoming
environment.


=== Diversity Statement ===

We welcome you.

We welcome people of any gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity,
size, nationality, sexual orientation, ability level, neurotype, religion,
elder status, family structure, culture, subculture, political opinion,
identity, and self-identification.

As a U.S.- and District of Columbia-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
we’re obliged to follow applicable laws, but we’re serious about knowing
and protecting your rights when it comes to free expression and privacy.

We support maximum freedom of creative expression, and only restrict that
when we must for the safety and sanity of other folks. We think creativity
is one of the greatest accomplishments of the human mind, and we want to
enable that creativity in everyone from pro to amateur. We think
neurodiversity is a feature, not a bug. We believe in being inclusive,
welcoming, and supportive of anyone who comes to us with good faith and the
desire to build a community.

=== Anti-Harassment Policy ===

HacDC is dedicated to being a harassment-free hackerspace for everyone. We
do not tolerate harassment of members or visitors in any form.

Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal comments related
to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size,
race, or religion; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation,
stalking, following, harassing photography or recording; sustained
disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact;
unwelcome sexual attention; or violation of any applicable laws. Members
and visitors asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply
immediately.

If a member or visitor engages in harassing behavior, the board of
directors or event organizer may take any action they deem appropriate,
including warning the offender or expulsion from the space or event with no
refund. Members violating these rules may be subject to termination of
their HacDC membership. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else
is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of
the board of directors or the event organizer immediately.

Members of the board of directors and event organizers will happily help
members and visitors contact building security or local law enforcement,
provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel
safe and prevent harassment for the duration of their visit at HacDC. We
value your attendance.

bod at hacdc.org
Building security guard hours: Monday – Thursday 6pm – 10pm; Saturday 9am –
2pm
DC emergency services: 911
National sexual assault hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673)
DC Rape Crisis Center: 202-333-RAPE (202-333-7273)
DC Yellow Cab: 202-TAXICAB (202-829-4222)
Howard University Hospital: 202-865-6100 / 2041 Georgia Avenue NW
GWU Hospital: 202-715-4000 / 900 23rd Street NW

We expect members and visitors to follow these rules at all HacDC-organized
events, in the space itself, and in our online spaces including mailing
lists and the official IRC channel.


-- 
Katie
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