Harassment Prevention Policy for Scouting Volunteers and Staff

It is the policy of Northern Star Council, Boy Scouts of America to maintain a Scouting environment based on respect and courtesy. This policy is in effect at all Scouting properties (camps and offices) and at all functions (council, district and unit meetings, activities and events). Northern Star Council does not tolerate harassment of any kind of our youth members, adult volunteers, employees, suppliers, or the general public. Any form of harassment that violates federal, state or local law is a violation of this policy and will be treated as a disciplinary matter. This includes but is not limited to harassment related to an individual’s race, religion, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition, physical or emotional disability, or status with regard to public assistance.

For these purposes the term “harassment” includes slurs and any other offensive remarks, jokes, and other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion to an individual because of any of these characteristics and that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment or of unreasonably interfering with an individual's Scouting participation. One type of harassment prohibited by this policy is sexual harassment, which includes unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors and other offensive verbal or physical conduct.

Complaint Procedure: If you believe you have been harassed or you are aware of harassment of someone else which affects Scouting in any way, you are responsible for reporting it immediately to your Scouting staff leader or adviser, the Camp Director (if you’re at camp), the Scout executive, human resources manager, or Council President, whoever you believe is appropriate. All can be reached at 612-261-2300. If feasible, you should tell the person who harassed you what action you consider to be harassment and that it should permanently stop. An accusation of harassment will be investigated quickly and firmly, and in connection with legal counsel or other appropriate investigator. A substantiated violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including withdrawal of BSA membership and termination. Reporting harassment will not result in any form of retaliation.

Your Role: As Scouting volunteers and employees, we have the Scout Oath and Law to guide us. Thanks for your help in ensuring a positive Scouting environment for everyone.

Contact us

Doug Parish

Chief Financial Officer
612-261-2425
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