Anti-Harassment Policy

MAS seeks to ensure that all members and guests feel safe during meetings and aims to provide a forum through which they may feel confident enough to express their own opinions.  As MAS is a recreational club we also seek to ensure that all members enjoy their time at meetings, without the need to be concerned over the possibility of harassment.

Hence, while this should be self evident, MAS has a policy against all forms of harassment - sexual or otherwise. MAS also promotes equal opportunity and tolerance between its members and guests. MAS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the grounds of:

  1. Race, colour, national or ethnic origin, nationality;
  2. Sex or gender, lawful sexual activity, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, breastfeeding, status as a parent or carer;
  3. Religious or political belief or activity, industrial activity;
  4. Age, physical features, disability (past, present or imputed), medical record;
  5. Screening likes or dislikes and the views expressed on programs;
  6. Personal association with a person who is identified by reference to any of the above listed attributes; and
  7. on any other grounds which the Melbourne Anime Society Committee shall after due consideration determine to be a basis of discriminatory practice.
If you feel that you have been harassed in any of the above listed manners, please report it to a MAS Committee Member.  This applies for anything that makes you feel uncomfortable (personal like or dislike of screening programs aside).  If the harassment was coming from a Committee Member, please report it to another Committee Member.  All matters shall be dealt with in a caring and understanding manner and as necessary or requested confidentiality is assured.

To resolve such a matter, MAS will comply with Section 8 ‘Disputes and Mediation’ of its constitution but in general will:
  1. Seek to resolve any misunderstandings.
  2. Seek an apology from the offender and issue a warning
  3. In serious matters, refer such cases to the relevant authorities
  4. In repeat or serious cases suspend and/or ban the offender from MAS as per Section 7 ‘Discipline, suspension and expulsion of members’ of the MAS constitution.
  5. Where the offender is not a member of MAS, their right to attend as a guest shall be revoked.
    6. The extent of the offence(s) required resulting in suspension and banning from MAS is at the discretion of the MAS Committee but may be requested by the victim and shall be considered.

    MAS hopes that all its members and guests enjoy their time at MAS meetings and is committed to providing a fun and understanding environment that welcomes everyone and allows for all people to express their ideas and beliefs.

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