At SoFete, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment for all individuals associated with our organization. This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, donors, partners, and participants in our programs and services. We believe that diversity enriches our organization and strengthens our ability to fulfill our mission.

Non-Discrimination Commitment
SoFete strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity, without regard to characteristics protected by applicable laws, including but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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Protected Characteristics
SoFete prohibits discrimination or harassment based on the following protected characteristics, among others:

• Race and Ethnicity: Discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, or ethnic background.

• Gender Identity and Expression: Discrimination based on gender identity or expression, including transgender and non-binary identities.

• Sexual Orientation: Discrimination based on sexual orientation, including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.

• National Origin: Discrimination based on a person’s country of origin, citizenship status, or accent.

• Religion: Discrimination based on religious beliefs or practices.

• Age: Discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older.

• Disability: Discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities, or perceived disabilities.

• Marital Status: Discrimination based on a person’s marital status, including single, married, divorced, or widowed.

• Pregnancy: Discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

• Genetic Information: Discrimination based on genetic information or family medical history.

Prohibited Conduct
Discrimination and harassment can take many forms, including but not limited to:

1. Verbal Harassment: Offensive or derogatory comments, slurs, or jokes related to a person's protected characteristic(s).

2. Physical Harassment: Physical actions that intimidate, threaten, or harm an individual based on their protected characteristic(s).

3. Exclusion: Unfair exclusion of individuals from activities, programs, or employment opportunities based on protected characteristics.

4. Unequal Treatment: Applying different standards, benefits, or treatment based on protected characteristics in hiring, promotions, training, or other employment practices.

5. Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

6. Retaliation: Taking adverse action against an individual who has reported discrimination or harassment, or participated in an investigation.

7. Hostile Environment: Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or community environment due to discriminatory behavior.

8. Microaggressions: Subtle comments or behaviors that reflect negative biases or stereotypes about an individual’s protected characteristics.

Reporting and Investigation Procedures
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment are encouraged to report the incident immediately by sending an email to info@sofete.org. Reports can be submitted in any preferred language, and translation assistance will be provided if necessary. SoFete will conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into all allegations of discrimination or harassment. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible, and no individual will face retaliation for reporting an incident or participating in an investigation.

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Consequences of Policy Violations
Individuals found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, removal from volunteer positions, or other appropriate actions, in accordance with applicable laws and SoFete's internal procedures.

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Policy Review and Improvement
SoFete recognizes that maintaining an inclusive environment is an ongoing effort. We are committed to providing continuous education, training, and resources to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with all relevant legal standards.

SoFete is committed to creating a welcoming, supportive, and discrimination-free environment for all. We encourage everyone involved with our organization to contribute to this mission by upholding the principles of fairness, respect, and inclusion in all interactions.