Code of Conduct 

In recognition of the various ways in which Democrats now interact, both in person and online, this policy shall be applied to include every interaction between members and shall be equally applicable to every member of the State Central Committee, the Michigan Democratic Party, and the Rural Caucus.

While many of us in the party are volunteers, misconduct of any type has no place in our work. Any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment is prohibited and shall be subject to appropriate corrective action. Such action may include censure, suspension, or removal from office or the organization.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this policy, any unit of the Michigan Democratic Party may establish rules or policies for meetings that regulate the conduct of those members in attendance.

Definitions

To aid members in their understanding of what is deemed inappropriate behavior, the following definitions are established:

Discrimination- the prejudicial treatment of an individual on the basis of their actual or perceived race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, economic status, religion, ethnic identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance or disability.

Bullying– an action or series of actions intended to demean, intimidate, or humiliate an individual. Bullying can be verbal, physical, or social. It includes but is not limited to: name calling, threatening to cause physical or social harm, spreading rumors, embarrassing someone in public, or making any kind of unwanted physical contact.

Harassment- verbal, physical, or sexual conduct intended to threaten, terrorize, or coerce an individual. These actions may be repeated to achieve the desired effect.

Retaliation – is any act of intimidation, threat, coercion, or discrimination or any other adverse action or threat thereof against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by the party, its regulations, or this Policy or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Policy.  Encouraging or assisting others to engage in Retaliation or to interfere with the process are also considered Retaliation and violate this Policy. 

Hostile Environment –  Harassment is unwelcome sex-based conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the party, it’s program or activity. 

The following conduct, or other unwelcome sex-based conduct, may constitute Hostile Environment Harassment:

  • Sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions 
  • Requests for sexual favors 
  • Verbal abuse of a sexual nature, obscene language, gender- or sexually-oriented jokes, verbal commentary about an individual’s body, sexual innuendo, and gossip about sexual relations 
  • The display of derogatory or sexually suggestive posters, cartoons, drawings, or objects, or suggestive notes or letters or e-mails or text messages or in a public space 
  • Visual conduct such as leering or making gestures 
  • Sexually suggestive comments about an individual’s body or body parts, or sexual degrading words to describe an individual 
  • Unwanted kissing
  • Touching such as hugging, patting, pinching or brushing against another’s body
  • Cyber or electronic harassment 
  • Degrading comments  

Differential Treatment is conduct on the basis of sex that excludes an individual from participation, denies the individual the benefits of, treats the individual less favorably, or otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s participation in the party, program, or activity. Differential Treatment includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Other kinds of Unwelcome Conduct
Offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, inappropriate nicknames, and interference with our work. Other conduct that creates an unwelcome and difficult environment includes microaggressions, mansplaining (also referred to as patronising), and unwanted or unwelcome physical touch including hugging, touching, or kissing. As for unwanted or unwelcome touch, assume in advance that a person does not want to be touched. 

Harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances. 

The victim does not have to be the person harassed, but can be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.

Prevention is the best tool to eliminate harassment in our midst. Leaders are encouraged to take appropriate steps to prevent and correct harassment. We should clearly communicate that unwelcome harassing conduct will not be tolerated. We should strive to create an environment in which our members and volunteers feel free to raise concerns and are confident that those concerns will be addressed.

Reporting

Any alleged breach of this code of conduct shall be reported in writing to the Chair and Executive Committee of the Michigan Democratic Party Rural Caucus  within seven days of the offending incident. Any allegation made against the Michigan Democratic Party Rural Caucus Chair shall be referred to the Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. 

Reporting may be submitted anonymously; a full investigation will occur though anonymous reporting may prevent follow up with the reporting party.  

Physical battery or sexual assault shall not be subject to any time limitation. In allegations of felony assault which include a documented complaint to proper law enforcement authorities, a member shall immediately be suspended pending the outcome of the complaint. Upon resolution of the criminal complaint, the Executive Committee shall have the authority to determine whether or not the suspension shall be maintained and what, if any, further corrective action is required.

An allegation may be presented in writing and delivered to Hart-Kennedy House (606 Townsend St., Lansing MI 48933) in person, by mail, or by email. Verbal reports, voicemails, text messages, or any other means of message delivery shall not be considered valid reporting methods. If a reporting deadline falls on the weekend or federal holiday, an individual shall have until the close of the next business day to submit their claim.

Any report of improper behavior should include as much detail as is useful. If possible, specific citations from this policy should be included to help determine the scope and focus of an investigation.

Investigation 

The Chair shall within 24 hours of receipt of a complaint determine whether a complaint is appropriate under Section II of this policy. Within 48 hours, if it is determined that the allegation conforms to the reporting requirements, the Chair shall appoint a three-person panel to investigate allegations, determine their validity, and to make appropriate suggestions for corrective action. Where allegations are made against the Chair, the Chief Operating Officer shall have responsibility to form a panel.

Each member of the panel shall be a member of the Michigan Democratic Party for at least 30 days prior to appointment. Care must be taken to ensure diverse and impartial representation.

The panel shall be afforded 14 days to conduct an investigation and make a determination. If an investigation deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the panel shall have until the close of the next business day to complete their investigation.

The panel shall have the authority to make use of party staff and facilities as necessary. They may meet in person or using similar teleconference equipment.

The panel shall compile a report of their findings, including recommendations for appropriate corrective actions, if any, and submit the document to the Chair or Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Democratic Party. The panel will be required to unanimously agree on a proposed resolution of the complaint.

Resolution

At the end of the investigation, having interviewed the complainant(s), respondent(s), and witnesses, the interviewing party will create a report. 

A report recommending corrective action must be approved by the Executive Committee by a majority vote of those members present. Any report recommending dismissal of the complaint shall be effective upon issuance of the panel’s report.

For offenses where censure, suspension, or removal are recommended, the following guidelines are established:

  1. Censure- a censure is any statement reprimanding or condemning an individual.
  2. Suspension- a suspension is any period of time whereby an individual is barred from participating in party events or from serving in their elected or appointed capacity with the party. Any suspension may include a 120 day period whereby the offending member shall be immediately removed should they violate the terms of their suspension.
  3. Removal- a removal is the permanent dismissal of an individual from their position within the party or from party membership. Any party leader or member may be removed by the Executive Committee if found in serious violation of this policy. Any individual removed from office will be prevented from holding party office for a period of not less than 3 years. Removal of any State Central Committee Officer shall remain subject to the provisions outlined in Article 8. D of the Rules of the Michigan Democratic Party.

Any concerns may be directed to the Chair of the Democratic Party or Executive Board.