Effective Date: 28 September 2024

Srividya Foundation is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, volunteers, employees, donors, and visitors. We believe that everyone has the right to engage with our programs, events, and community free from discrimination, harassment, and any form of inappropriate behavior. This policy outlines our stance against discrimination and harassment and provides guidance on how to report and address any concerns.

1. Policy Statement
Srividya Foundation strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all individuals associated with Srividya Foundation, including but not limited to participants, volunteers, employees, contractors, donors, and visitors.

2. Scope of Policy
This policy applies to all activities, events, and programs conducted by Srividya Foundation, whether they occur in person, online, or via other forms of communication. It encompasses:

Workshops, courses, and training programs
Online forums, chat groups, and social media interactions
Physical or virtual meetings, conferences, and retreats
Interactions in the workplace, on Foundation premises, or during Foundation-sponsored activities

3. Definitions
3.1 Discrimination

Discrimination involves treating someone unfairly or differently based on a protected characteristic. Examples of discrimination include, but are not limited to:

Denying participation or access to programs based on gender, race, religion, or any other protected characteristic
Unfair treatment in hiring, promotion, training, or volunteer opportunities
Making decisions about participation, employment, or volunteer engagement based on stereotypes or biases

3.2 Harassment

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on a protected characteristic and creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. Harassment can be verbal, physical, visual, or online. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to:

Verbal: Derogatory comments, slurs, or jokes about someone’s race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristic
Physical: Unwanted touching, blocking someone’s path, or physical intimidation
Visual: Displaying offensive images, posters, or gestures
Online: Sending inappropriate or offensive messages, images, or videos through email, social media, or other digital platforms

3.3 Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and otheur verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples include:

Unwanted flirting, sexual comments, or jokes
Inappropriate touching or physical contact
Displaying sexually explicit images or materials
Requests for sexual favors in exchangue for participation, employment, or other opportunities

4. Reporting Discrimination and Harassment
Srividya Foundation encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination or harassment to report it promptly. Reports can be made in the following ways:

Direct Reporting: Contact a supervisor, program facilitator, or Srividya Foundation management to report the incident.
Email: Send a confidential email to info@srividya.net detailing the incident, including names, dates, and any relevant information.
Anonymous Reporting: Submit an anonymous report to legal@srividya.org, or by using the suggestion box located at our  (if applicable).

5. Investigation and Response
Confidentiality: All reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and information will only be shared with individuals who need to know to conduct an investigation or take appropriate action.

Investigation: Srividya Foundation will promptly investigate all reports of discrimination or harassment. The investigation may involve interviewing the complainant, the accused, and any witnesses, as well as reviewing relevant documents or communications.
Actions Taken: If the investigation determines that a violation of this policy has occurred, Srividya Foundation will take appropriate corrective action, which may include warnings, training, suspension, or termination of the individual’s participation, employment, or volunteer relationship.

6. Protection Against Retaliation
Srividya Foundation strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination or harassment, participates in an investigation, or opposes discriminatory practices. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation, adverse actions, or negative treatment. Any individual found to have engaged in retaliatory behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.

7. Training and Awareness
Srividya Foundation is committed to providing ongoing training and education on anti-discrimination and harassment to all employees, volunteers, and program facilitators.
Training sessions will cover recognizing discrimination and harassment, how to report concerns, and understanding the Foundation’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

8. Responsibilities of Individuals
Employees, Volunteers, and Facilitators: Are responsible for understanding and complying with this policy, treating others with respect and dignity, and reporting any incidents of discrimination or harassment they witness or experience.

Participants and Visitors: Are expected to engage respectfully and follow the guidelines set forth in this policy while participating in any Srividya Foundation programs, events, or activities.

9. Compliance with Federal, State, and Local Laws
This policy is designed to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972
State and local anti-discrimination laws

10. Modifications to the Policy
Srividya Foundation reserves the right to modify or update this policy at any time to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to reflect our commitment to a safe and inclusive environment. Any changes to this policy will be communicated to all individuals associated with the Foundation.

11. Contact Information
For any questions, concerns, or assistance regarding this Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy, please contact:

Srividya Foundation
1376, West Lagoon Road, Pleasanton, CA 94566.
Phone: +1 707-789-1017
Email: info@srividya.net
EIN: 99-1557390

By participating in or engaging with Srividya Foundation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy.