66 M.G.L. 71A37G NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE I. Introduction SkillsUSA Massachusetts has a commitment to maintaining an educational environment where bigotry and intolerance, including discrimination such as harassment based on race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status, are not tolerated. Discrimination, including harassment, is contrary to the mission of SkillsUSA and its commitment to equal opportunity in education, community integration, and diversity. SkillsUSA does not discriminate against Members, parents, employees, or the general public. No person shall be excluded from, or discriminated against in admission to SkillsUSA Massachusetts programs or services, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges of SkillsUSA on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status. For purposes of this policy and procedure, “organization” includes SkillsUSA-sponsored events, trips, competitions, similar events connected with the receiving services from the organization or providing employment for the organization. Any retaliation against an individual who has complained about discrimination, including harassment, or any retaliation against any individual who has cooperated with an investigation of a discrimination, harassment, or retaliation complaint, is also unlawful and will not be tolerated. SkillsUSA takes allegations of discrimination, including harassment, seriously and will respond promptly to complaints. Where it is determined that conduct that violates the law and this policy has occurred, SkillsUSA will act promptly to eliminate the conduct and will impose corrective action as necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate, which may include SkillsUSA-related discipline. II. Definition of Discrimination and Harassment “Discrimination” includes conduct that excludes a person from participation in, denies an individual the benefits of, or otherwise subjects an individual to different treatment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Harassing conduct involving these bases can be a form of discrimination. “Harassment” is defined as unwelcome conduct, whether verbal or physical, that is based on: race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status. Harassment is prohibited by SkillsUSA and violates the law. Examples of harassment include: • Display or circulation of written materials or pictures that are degrading to a person or group based upon the criteria listed above. • Verbal abuse or insults about, directed at, or made in the presence of an individual or group described above because of one of the criteria listed above. • Any action or speech that contributes to, promotes, or results in a hostile or discriminatory environment to an individual or group described above. • Any action or speech that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent that it either (i) interferes with or limits the ability of an individual or group (as described above) to participate in or benefit from a SkillsUSA program or activity of SkillsUSA; or (ii) creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment. Many forms of harassment have been recognized as violations of the civil rights laws (including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the ADA, Title VI, Title IX, and state statutes like M.G.L. 151C) by federal courts, state courts, the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. “Sexual harassment” is defined as unwelcome sexual