Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy
I. OVERVIEW AND SCOPE
The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 has established an Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy. This policy applies to all aspects of the relationship between The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 and its members and guests, including but not limited to all members, vendors, program participants, and volunteers. Disciplinary action will be taken against any member who breaches this policy.
II. Policies
Discrimination. The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 shall not tolerate, under any circumstances, without exception, any form of discrimination based on race, creed, religion, color, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, national origin, political affiliation, sex, predisposing genetic characteristics, and any other status protected by law.
HARASSMENT. The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 is committed to providing an environment free from harassment. Any unwanted and offensive behavior to the recipient, which creates an intimidating, hostile, or humiliating environment for that person, violates The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 policy. Harassment can occur between members of the opposite sex or the same sex. Harassment, verbal or non- verbal, explicit or implicit, based on an individual's sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, or any other legally protected characteristics, will not be tolerated. All agents of The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 are required to abide by this policy. No person will be adversely affected in membership with The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 as a result of bringing complaints of harassment.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when submission of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly. The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 prohibits inappropriate conduct that is sexual at work, on Post business, at Post-sponsored events, and on Post property. Sexual harassment is prohibited, whether it is between members of the opposite sex or members of the same sex.
REPORTING DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT. If a member feels that they have been harassed as described in this policy. They should immediately report the matter to the Post Commander or a member of the Executive Committee verbally and prepare a written statement. If that contact is unavailable or the member or employee is uncomfortable informing this contact, the member or employee should immediately notify the District 11 Commander. Once the matter has been reported, it will be promptly
investigated, and any corrective action will be taken when deemed appropriate. All complaints or unlawful harassment under this policy will be handled as confidentially as possible. Timely reporting is encouraged to prevent the recurrence of or otherwise address the behavior violating this policy or law. Delays in reporting a complaint can limit the type of effectiveness of a response by The American Crandall-Palmer Post # 61. The procedure for reporting incidents of discriminatory or harassing behavior is not intended to prevent the right of any member to seek a remedy under available state or federal law by immediately reporting the matter to the appropriate state or federal agency.
RETALIATION. Retaliation against any person associated with The American Crandall- Palmer Post # 61 who reports instances of harassment, whether they are directly or indirectly involved, violates The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61 policies. All reported incidents are assumed to be made in good faith. Any malicious allegations proven knowingly false by the individual shall be treated as a Harassment matter.
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES FOR HARASSMENT and REMEDIES. Any member engaging in behavior that violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including the possible removal from Post membership, whether or not an actual law has been violated. Arizona has two main statutes for sexual harassment: the Arizona Civil Rights Act (ARS § 41-1463 et seq.), which prohibits workplace harassment, and ARS § 13-2921 (Harassment), which defines and classifies harassment more generally. The Civil Rights Act applies to all workplaces with one or more employees and has a 180-day statute of limitations for filing a complaint with the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). It also aligns with federal protections like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This may also include other remedies deemed appropriate as provided by the Constitution and By-Laws of The American Legion Crandall-Palmer Post # 61.
TRAINING. Available through District 11 or the Department of Arizona Legion College, members will be offered anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-sexual harassment training, with refresher classes offered at reasonable intervals.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION. Implementing this policy shall be effective per the vote of the post-executive board. This policy cannot be retroactively applied before its Implementation date of 14 April 2026.
Commander Richard S. Garmong
Adjutant Evan Glendinning