It is the policy of The Diocese of Oregon that all persons are responsible for assuring that every area of the church's life is free from sexual harassment or intimidation. Because of the diocese's strong disapproval of offensive or inappropriate sexual behavior at work, all persons must avoid any action or conduct which could be viewed as sexual harassment or intimidation, including:

1. Unwelcome sexual advances

2. Requests for sexual acts or favors

3. Other verbal or physical conduct of a harassing or intimidating nature.

Employees and volunteers are urged to report immediately any incident of sexual harassment to the priest in charge. If the priest in charge is the source of the harassment, the incident should be reported directly to the bishop.

It is understandable that in some situations employees or volunteers may want to try to resolve the problem themselves rather than reporting it. If this is the case, the following steps are recommended:

1. The harasser should be clearly told that the conduct or statements are not welcome or appreciated and that the target person wants them to stop.

2. If the problem continues, the harasser should be given a letter confirming the earlier conversation and identifying the offensive conduct or statements. The harasser should be informed that the situation will be reported to the priest in charge or the bishop if it does not stop.

3. If the problem continues, the priest in charge or the bishop should be contacted immediately.

4. All complaints or allegations of sexual harassment will be kept in strict confidence. The diocese will retain confidential documentation of all investigations. The diocese and each parish will take appropriate corrective action, including disciplinary measures when justified, up to and including termination, to remedy any violation of this policy.

It is the policy of the diocese to maintain an environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, whether based upon race, color, religion, national origin, age, physical and mental handicaps, gender and sexual orientation. The procedures set forth above for sexual harassment will also apply in situations involving other types of harassment.