USA Flag does not permit or allow sexual abuse or molestation to occur in its workplace or at any activity sponsored by or related to it. To make this “zero—tolerance” policy clear to all employees, contractors, volunteers and board members, we have adopted mandatory procedures that employees, volunteers, contractors, board members, individuals and victims must follow when they learn of or witness sexual abuse or molestation. Those reasonably suspected or believed to have committed sexual abuse or misconduct will be appropriately disciplined, up to and including termination of employment or membership, as well as criminally prosecuted. No employee, volunteer, board member or other person, regardless of his or her title or position has the authority to commit or allow sexual abuse or misconduct. Sexual abuse includes sexual assault, exploitation, molestation or injury. It does not include sexual harassment, which is another form of behavior which is prohibited by USA Flag.
Reporting Procedure
Immediately report suspected sexual abuse or misconduct to Natalie Harris, COO at [email protected]
It is not required to directly confront the person who is the source of the report, question or complaint before notifying any of the individuals listed. USA Flag will take every reasonable measure to ensure that those named in complaint of misconduct or are too closely associated with those involved in the complaint will not be part of the investigative team.
Investigation & Follow Up
USA Flag will take all allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct seriously and will promptly, thoroughly, and equitably investigate whether misconduct has taken place. USA Flag may utilize an outside third party to conduct an investigation of misconduct. Our organization will cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by law enforcement or other regulatory/protective services agencies. To the fullest extent possible, but consistent with our legal obligation to report suspected abuse to appropriate authorities, we will endeavor to keep the identities of the alleged victims and investigation subject confidential.
If the investigation substantiates the allegation, our policy provides for disciplinary penalties, including but not limited to termination of the actor’s relationship with our organization.
Retaliation Prohibited
We prohibit any retaliation against anyone, including an employee, volunteer, board member, student or individual, who in good faith reports sexual abuse, alleges that it is being committed or participates in the investigation. Intentionally false or malicious accusations of sexual abuse are prohibited.
Anyone who improperly retaliates against someone who has made a good faith allegation of sexual abuse, or intentionally provides false information to that effect, will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.
Reporting to Law Enforcement or Appropriate Child or Adult Protective Services
USA Flag is committed to following the state and federal legal requirements for reporting allegations or incidents of sexual abuse or misconduct to appropriate law enforcement and child or adult protective services organizations. It is the policy of USA Flag not to attempt to investigate or assess the validity or credibility of an allegation of sexual or physical abuse as a condition before reporting the allegation to proper law enforcement authorities or protective services organizations.
