The American Institute of Architects Hilton Head Island Harassment Policy

Purpose

AIA Hilton Head Island (a component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)) and its members are committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations, and to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the way we conduct our operations and activities. This policy is designed to prevent sexual and other types of harassment within AIA Hilton Head Island, and to provide for corrective action as appropriate.

Who is covered by the policy

This policy applies to the following people, referred to as Covered Individuals:

  • Members of the AIA Hilton Head Island Executive Committee

  • All individuals who act on AIA Hilton Head Island’s behalf through election, appointment (including appointment to a committee), or Executive action, or under authority from its Bylaws or Rules of the Board.

  • All individual members of AIA Hilton Head Island engaged in activities relating to the business of AIA Hilton Head Island such as meetings and events, continuing education sessions, tours, or any other AIA Hilton Head Island-related activities.

Prohibited Conduct

This policy prohibits discriminatory or harassing behavior (that is, unwelcome conduct) directed toward a person because of his or her sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation or identification, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, or other status protected under the laws of the jurisdictions in which AIA Hilton Head Island is present or the relevant activities take place.

Accordingly, no Covered Individual shall:

  • engage in or facilitate any discriminatory or harassing behavior directed toward AIA officers, directors, members, staff, meeting attendees, exhibitors, advertisers, sponsors, suppliers, contractors, guests, or others in connection with activities relating to the AIA.

  • engage in speech or conduct which is disparaging or derogatory of persons based on any of the factors mentioned above, in connection with activities relating to the AIA.

Reporting a Violation

Violations of this policy may be reported to the AIA Hilton Head Executive Director/President or to any member of the Executive Committee. The Committee will be responsible for resolving any reported violation, and will determine an appropriate course of action. This will ordinarily involve a prompt inquiry or investigation, which shall be conducted with utmost discretion and be kept confidential to the greatest extent possible. Such inquiry or investigation shall be conducted by the Executive Committee by one or more of its members, by legal counsel retained by AIA Hilton Head Island, or by such other person(s) as the Committee may designate.

Executive Committee Action

Promptly after the inquiry or investigation has been completed, the resulting findings will be reported to the Executive Committee. The Committee shall then conduct such proceedings and take such action as may be appropriate and authorized under applicable law and under the governing documents of the Institute and of AIA Hilton Head Island. If an Executive Committee member has been charged with the pertinent violation, he or she may present arguments and supporting evidence on his or her behalf, but will not otherwise influence or participate in the Committee’s proceedings on the violation.

If the Executive Committee of AIA Hilton Head Island fails to address an alleged violation in the manner shown above, the person reporting the alleged violation may contact AIA South Carolina at tracyw@aiasc.org. If AIA South Carolina fails to respond, the person reporting the alleged violation may contact the General Counsel of the American Institute of Architects at jstephens@aia.org.

Alleged Violations of the AIA Code of Ethics

Certain acts may violate the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and therefore might be the subject of a complaint to the Institute’s National Ethics Council. For more information, go to the link provided above.

Adopted December 2, 2018