Anti-Harassment

At its very core, SAF is a community. Within this community, we strive to create a culture that fosters the respectful exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences from a diverse range of members, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.

The Diversity and Inclusion Policy (2017) formally announced our commitment to “diversity and inclusion in our leadership, membership, programs, and activities” and our intent to “promote an environment designed to embrace our differences in which all community members are welcomed and valued.” 

Building and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive culture demands that harassment of any kind must not be tolerated. The SAF Anti-Harassment Policy is a key step in communicating the values of SAF and in promoting professional conduct and accountability across the profession. All employees, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and guests are subject to the Anti-Harassment Policy and may face consequences for violations. In addition, SAF members are subject to the Code of Ethics and its sanctions.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Preamble

In adopting this statement, the Society of American Foresters (SAF) establishes the rules for acceptable behavior of its membership. In doing so, unacceptable behaviors outlined in this statement are subject to the SAF Code of Ethics. Specifically, Principle 6: Professional and civic behavior must be based on honesty, fairness, good will, and respect for the law. We pledge to conduct ourselves in a civil and dignified manner; to respect the needs, contributions, and viewpoints of others; and to give due credit to others for their methods, ideas, or assistance. Members or Guests who have a reasonable belief that they or any other member or guest have been the victim of harassment, bullying, or discrimination, or any other violation of the rules herein, are encouraged and expected to report the conduct to the SAF Ethics Committee. 

Statement

The Society of American Foresters is committed to inclusion in our leadership, membership, programs, and activities. SAF strives to promote an environment designed to embrace our differences in which all community members are welcomed and valued. Successfully engaging people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives strengthens our communities, provides essential resources, and creates thriving forests. Broad participation by diverse people within our membership, the forestry community, partner organizations, landowners, and other stakeholders is essential to fulfilling our mission. 

We all have a responsibility in creating the environment of our professional association. All forms of discrimination, harassment, and bullying are prohibited in any SAF activity. This applies to all participants in all settings and locations where SAF work and associated activities are conducted, including committee meetings, workshops, conferences, and other work and social functions where employees, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, or guests are present. 

Discrimination is prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups of people based on their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. 

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. 

Other types of harassment include any verbal or physical conduct directed at individuals or groups of people because of their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. 

Bullying is unwelcome, aggressive behavior involving the use of influence, threat, intimidation, ridicule or coercion to dominate others in the professional environment. Bullying behavior may go beyond characteristics protected by applicable laws, including but not limited to, political views, dress, or other outward physical appearances. 

How to File a Complaint

If you believe someone has violated the Anti-Harassment Policy, please email [email protected] with the following information: 

(1) Your full name and contact information 
(2) The full name of the person or persons involved 
(3) A brief description of the alleged violation
        a. Please include relevant details such as date, location, the individual’s employer, etc. 

What happens after I file a complaint? 

All inquiries will be reviewed and assessed in a timely and confidential manner. An SAF staff member may reach out to you to gather additional information. Following initial review, claims against SAF members will be referred to the SAF Ethics Committee. All other claims will be referred to the CEO. Any allegations involving criminal activities will be referred to the appropriate authorities.

What other actions can I take? 

All members of the SAF community have a responsibility to hold themselves and each other to a high standard of professional conduct. If you experience or witness behaviors identified in the Anti-Harassment Policy—and if you feel comfortable enough to do so—tell the person engaging in the harassing and/or discriminating behavior that his or her actions are not welcome and must stop.