Safer Spaces Policy for The Humane League Events and Virtual Spaces

Inclusivity stands as one of The Humane League’s core values, as we actively strive to promote and recognize principles of fairness and equity in relation to race, age, color, disability, faith, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, social class, economic class, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, and all other identities represented in our organization and worldwide.

We must all work together to create a space within The Humane League’s events and virtual spaces, such as Slack, that is safe and comfortable for all individuals. Related to this, we have developed the following guidelines to address inappropriate behavior at The Humane League’s events:

  • Inappropriate behavior that is prohibited may include—but is not limited to—sexual harassment or behavior that is racist, sizeist, sexist, transphobic, queerphobic, ableist, xenophobic, ageist, and homophobic. Inappropriate behavior also includes unwillingness to listen to and learn from others’ experiences.
  • If you feel that you have been subjected to inappropriate behavior or discrimination, you should report the incident to The Humane League staff. Someone else may also report on your behalf. There will be no retaliation against the person who reports the behavior.
  • If someone questions your behavior, a staff member from The Humane League will speak with you. You may be given a verbal warning and you may be asked to leave the event. If inappropriate behavior continues and/or is reported again, you may be prohibited from attending future The Humane League’s events or may be removed from The Humane League’s virtual spaces.

You may have noticed our policy has changed from "Safe Spaces to "Safer Spaces". Why the change? Our work to create events where all individuals feel safe and comfortable is exactly that—work. We acknowledge that creating safer spaces is an ongoing process—one that requires attention, intention, effort, and evolving approaches. What we aim for, continually, is safer spaces, and we recognize that our work is not yet done. We invite feedback on how to create safer spaces for all individuals.