Code of Conduct Policy
Adopted  October 12, 2024

MOUNTAIN STATE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC (hereinafter referred to as MSCB) 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 conferences, meetings, functions, Email Groups, social media, or any other gatherings sponsored or convened by MSCB.

All participants at MSCB events are required to adhere to this Code of Conduct policy as drafted and adopted by the MSCB Board of Directors. 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,

• disrespectful, offensive and/or threatening conduct, verbal abuse, stalking, bullying, violence, or intimidation, or;

• the recording and disseminating of content of MSCB meetings and events without attribution and prior written permission of the MSCB Board of Directors.

Any person who believes that he or she has experienced or witnessed behavior prohibited by this policy should report the conduct to the MSCB Board of Directors either by sending an e-mail to president@MSCBWV.org or by contacting any member of the Board of Directors. A report of prohibited conduct shall be made within forty-five (45) days of the occurrence of the alleged prohibited conduct or such complaint shall be deemed waived and will not be investigated pursuant to this code of conduct.

Upon receipt of an allegation reported under this policy, MSCB will, within fifteen (15) days investigate, and the MSCB Board of Directors or their designees will thereafter make a determination, within forty-five (45) days what, if any, action will be taken based on the circumstances. 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.