Anti-Harassment

1. Overview

SecretCon is devoted to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for participants of all backgrounds. We strictly prohibit harassment in any form. The following Anti-Harassment Policy details how we define harassment, our methods for addressing such incidents, and how we manage enforcement. In the event of any conflict with the SecretCon Code of Conduct, the Code of Conduct will control.

2. Definition of Harassment

Harassment is unwelcome behavior directed at a person or group that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This includes, but is not limited to:

• • Verbal Abuse: Derogatory comments, slurs, insults, or offensive jokes related to personal characteristics (e.g., gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability).
  • Physical Harassment: Unwanted physical conduct, threatening behavior, or intentional intimidation.
  • Visual/Nonverbal Harassment: Display of offensive images or gestures, sustained disruption of talks or events, stalking or following.
  • Online Harassment: Bullying, repeated unwelcome contact, intimidation, or threats via social media, direct messages, or other communication platforms associated with SecretCon.

3. Severe Cases: Harassment of Staff or Security

Although all forms of harassment are taken seriously, any form of harassment or abuse—verbal or physical—directed toward registration staff, security personnel, or any SecretCon team member will be treated as a more severe violation and may result in immediate removal from the event without refund, and possible further sanctions (see Section 5).

4. Reporting Incidents

1. • Immediate Assistance: If you feel unsafe or witness harassment, contact any SecretCon staff member, registration desk volunteer, or security officer immediately. If the incident happens off site at one of the hotels, please contact the hotel registration desk.
   • How to Report:
     • In Person: Seek out an organizer or volunteer—look for staff badges or special attire.
     • Hotel related Incident: Contact hotel registration desk.
     • After the Event: Use the SecretCon website ‘contact us’ or call 612-666-0000
   • Confidentiality: All reports will be handled promptly, sensitively, and as confidentially as possible, deemed by the organizers

5. Response and Enforcement

1. • Investigation: Upon receiving a complaint, organizers will promptly investigate the incident and gather any available evidence or witness accounts.
   • Sanctions: Depending on the severity and circumstances, possible actions include:
     • A verbal or written warning.
     • Immediate expulsion from the event without refund.
     • Notification of local law enforcement, if necessary.
     • Placement on a banned individuals or companies list, which prohibits participation in future SecretCon events.

6. Banned Individuals and Companies

SecretCon maintains a list of individuals and companies banned from attending or participating in any of our events due to prior severe violations of this Anti-Harassment Policy or the Code of Conduct. A decision to add any individual or entity to this list lies at the sole discretion of SecretCon organizers. Appeals will be accepted once every five years.

Any banned individuals or companies found near SecretCon events, will be asked to leave, and up to the police being contacted. Seriously, don’t make this a safety issue.

7. Relationship to Code of Conduct

This Anti-Harassment Policy is supplemental to the SecretCon Code of Conduct. In the event of any discrepancy between the two, the Code of Conduct takes priority. Both documents serve our goal of creating a positive, inclusive experience for everyone at SecretCon.

8. Reminders for All Participants

• • Respect Boundaries: If someone requests that you stop a certain behavior, respect their boundaries and comply immediately.
  • Speak Up: We encourage you to report incidents so we can address them.
  • Stay Informed: Review our Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy to understand your rights and obligations.

9. Contact Information

• • On-Site Contact: Ask the registration desk for the SecretCon organizers.
  • Off-Site Reporting: If you need to report an incident after the event, please use the contact us or call 414-404-0000.
  • Emergency Services: If you or another participant are in immediate danger, dial 911 to contact local law enforcement.

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