Anti-Discrimination Policy
Last updated: September 24, 2024
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At Out of The Walls NYC, we are committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind, and we are dedicated to promoting equality and ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. This Anti-Discrimination Policy outlines our commitment to preventing discrimination in all areas of our organization, including services, events, employment, and volunteer opportunities.
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1. Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to:
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Ensure that Out of The Walls NYC fosters a welcoming environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
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Outline the responsibilities of all staff, volunteers, and community members in upholding this commitment to equality.
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Provide guidelines for reporting and addressing incidents of discrimination.
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2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to:
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All individuals involved with Out of The Walls NYC, including staff, volunteers, event participants, community members, and visitors.
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All areas of operation, including but not limited to programs, services, events, employment, and volunteer opportunities.
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3. Prohibited Discrimination
We strictly prohibit discrimination, harassment, or exclusion based on the following protected characteristics:
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Race, color, or ethnicity
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National origin or citizenship status
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Religion or belief
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Gender, gender identity, or gender expression
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Sexual orientation
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Age
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Disability (physical, mental, or intellectual)
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Marital status or family status
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Veteran status
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Genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws
Discrimination includes but is not limited to treating someone unfairly, harassing, or excluding individuals based on any of the above characteristics in any area of our operations, including participation in programs, services, employment, or volunteering.
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4. Commitment to Inclusion
Out of The Walls NYC is committed to:
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Promoting Diversity: We believe in the value of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences and seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
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Providing Equal Opportunities: We are committed to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to our services, events, and opportunities, without discrimination or exclusion.
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Accommodating Disabilities: We will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure full participation in our programs, services, and activities.
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5. Responsibilities
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Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers of Out of The Walls NYC are expected to model respectful behavior, ensure an inclusive environment, and avoid any discriminatory practices in their interactions with others. They are also responsible for reporting any incidents of discrimination they witness or experience.
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Participants and Community Members: We expect all participants, visitors, and community members to uphold our values of respect, inclusion, and equality. Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
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6. Reporting Discrimination
If you believe you have experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment, we encourage you to report the incident to us. We take all complaints seriously and will handle them in a prompt and confidential manner. Reports of discrimination can be made to:
Email: info@outofthewallsnyc.com
Phone: 1-347-687-9295
In Person: You may also report concerns to a member of our leadership team at any event or in our office.
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Investigation Process
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Confidentiality: We will handle all reports of discrimination with the utmost confidentiality, sharing information only with those necessary to investigate and address the issue.
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Investigation: Upon receiving a report of discrimination, we will promptly conduct an investigation. This may include speaking with witnesses, reviewing relevant documentation, and gathering all necessary information to ensure a fair resolution.
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Resolution: If discrimination is found, we will take appropriate corrective action, which may include disciplinary measures, changes in policies or procedures, or other necessary actions to ensure that the behavior does not continue.
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7. Protection from Retaliation
Out of The Walls NYC strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination, participates in an investigation, or provides information related to a complaint. Retaliation can include any negative actions taken against someone for their involvement in reporting or addressing discrimination. Individuals who engage in retaliation will face disciplinary action.
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8. Training and Education
We are committed to providing regular training and education for staff, volunteers, and community members on our Anti-Discrimination Policy and our commitment to inclusion and equality. This training will include:
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Awareness: Understanding what constitutes discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
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Prevention: Promoting respectful behavior and preventing discriminatory practices.
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Reporting: Encouraging open communication and explaining the procedures for reporting discrimination.
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9. Policy Review
We will review this Anti-Discrimination Policy annually to ensure that it remains effective and in compliance with all applicable laws and best practices. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and community members.
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10. Contact Information
For any questions regarding this policy or to report an incident, please contact us:
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Out of The Walls NYC
P.S. 273 The Wortman School (Auditorium)
1018 Warwick Street
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Phone: 1-347-687-9295
Email: info@outofthewallsnyc.com