Purpose

At NowKalamazoo, we are committed to fostering a workplace environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment of any kind. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age, or genetic information (including family medical history) is illegal and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, visitors, customers and stakeholders.

Prohibited Conduct

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to

1. Making derogatory remarks or jokes based on a protected characteristic.

2. Engaging in unwelcome verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature.

3. Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs.

4. Making employment decisions based on stereotypes or assumptions about a protected characteristic.

5. Retaliating against an individual for reporting discrimination or harassment or participating in an investigation regarding such matters.

Reasonable Accommodations

NowKalamazoo will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees who require them for medical or religious reasons, as mandated by law. Such accommodations may include changes to the work environment or job duties to enable individuals to perform their essential job functions.

Reporting Discrimination

Employees can report discrimination by contacting any of the following designated individuals

1. NowKalamazoo’s managing editor

2. The Local Journalism Foundation’s executive director

3. A board member of The Local Journalism Foundation

Reports can be made verbally or in writing, and employees have the option to report discrimination to any manager.

Protection Against Retaliation

NowKalamazoo prohibits retaliation against employees for reporting discrimination, participating in an investigation, or opposing discriminatory practices. Any form of retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Confidentiality

We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of employees who report discrimination or participate in investigations to the greatest extent possible, consistent with conducting a thorough investigation and taking appropriate corrective action.

Responsibilities of Managers and HR Personnel

Managers and other employees with human resources responsibilities are required to respond appropriately to instances of discrimination or harassment. They must either address the situation directly or report it to individuals who are authorized to respond.

Investigation and Corrective Action

NowKalamazoo will conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations of discrimination complaints. If discrimination is substantiated, prompt and effective corrective and preventive action will be taken as necessary to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

Communication with Complainants

Employees who file internal complaints will be notified about the status of their complaint, the results of the investigation, and any corrective or preventive action taken, to the extent feasible and appropriate.

Consequences of Violating Policy

Violations of the anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, depending on the severity of the offense.

At NowKalamazoo, we are dedicated to upholding these principles and fostering a workplace culture where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination and harassment have no place in our organization, and we encourage all employees to contribute to maintaining an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all.