Adopted by membership vote on March 18, 2025
The American Council of the Blind, Greater Cleveland Chapter (hereinafter referred to as ACB Cleveland) is committed to maintaining the integrity of its events by creating a welcoming, professional, safe, and respectful environment for all who attend and/or participate in its events. The term “events” shall include member support sessions, meetings, official social events, functions, or any other gatherings sponsored or convened by ACB Cleveland. All participants at ACB Cleveland events are required to adhere to this Code of Conduct policy as drafted by the ACB Cleveland officers, and adopted by the ACB Cleveland membership. This policy defines prohibited conduct as including, but not limited to:
- unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, gender identification, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law; or
- disrespectful, offensive and/or threatening conduct, verbal abuse, slander, stalking, bullying, violence, or intimidation.
Any person who believes that he or she has experienced or witnessed behavior prohibited by this policy should report the conduct to the ACB Cleveland President, or one of the other elected officers. Upon receipt of an allegation reported under this policy, the ACB Cleveland officers will investigate and will thereafter determine what, if any, action will be taken based on the circumstances. If allegations are made against the president, the vice president will conduct the investigation with the other elected officers not under investigation. Such action may include banning the individual from the event where the conduct is determined to have occurred and any future events. Nothing in this policy shall limit or preclude the free exchange of ideas and/or opinions so long as such exchange does not involve threats or other prohibited behavior as defined in this policy.