Editing HandBook (section)

=== 2. NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY  ===

The Company is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, the Company expects that all relationships among persons in the workplace will be business-like and free of bias, prejudice and harassment. It is the policy of the Company to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or sexual orientation. 

For the purpose of this policy, sexual harassment is defined, as in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Guidelines, as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when, for example: (i) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the individual’s employment; (ii) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or (iii) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment. Harassment on the basis of any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited. 

Examples of sexual harassment may include explicit sexual propositions, sexual innuendo, suggestive comments, or physical contact, such as patting, pinching, or brushing against another's body. Examples of other forms of unlawful harassment include "kidding" or "teasing," or "practical jokes," based upon a person's age, race, religion, gender, pregnancy, nationality, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. This includes electronic communications such as email, internet, or voice mail. 

The Company prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or harassment or participates in an investigation of such reports. Retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or discrimination in an investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to disciplinary action. 

The Company strongly urges the reporting of all incidents of discrimination, harassment or retaliation, regardless of the offender’s identity or position. Individuals who believe they have experienced conduct that they believe is contrary to the Company’s policy or who have concerns about such matters should file their complaints with any officer of the Company. Individuals should NOT feel obligated to file their complaints with their immediate supervisor first before bringing the matter to the attention of one of the Company officers. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES:<br>Employees who have experienced conduct they believe is contrary to this policy have an obligation to take advantage of this complaint procedure. An employee’s failure to fulfill this obligation could affect his or her rights in pursuing legal action.