Anti-Discrimination Policy

In as much as discrimination is demeaning to human dignity and is unacceptable in a healthy organizational environment, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club will not tolerate discrimination against any member of the Club and will strive to create an environment free from such behaviour. Discrimination is prohibited on the following grounds (as defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and taking account of those exceptions listed in the Ontario Human Rights Code): age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, creed, ethnic origin, family status, disability, marital status, place of origin, race, receipt of public assistance, record of offences (provincial offences or pardoned federal offences), sex, sexual orientation, language, accent, or dialect (except as language, accent or dialect may interfere with legitimate requirements of education or employment), political belief and membership or non-membership in a political organization, trade union or employee or employer organization.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy

In as much as child sexual abuse is abhorrent behaviour and as such is unacceptable to any organization, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club will not tolerate such behaviour from any member of the Club and will strive to create an environment free from such behaviour. To this end, the Club has initiated the following rules:

• Children may not be touched anywhere that would be covered by a bathing suit.
• A child must not be left alone, or travel, with only one adult when participating in Club activities.
• Volunteers are not allowed to bring children to their homes unless accompanied by the child’s parent(s).
• In the event an incident of this nature occurs, the safety of the child always takes priority. The Club will not judge the statement of the child and the police and Children’s Aid Society will be notified at once by the Club representative.
• The President of the Club will take responsibility for initiating an investigation of how the incident occurred and with the Publicity Director will address issues raised by the media and the community at large. All actions taken will be documented.

Approved by HNC Board of Directors March, 2006