Scope #
This policy applies to all employees, applicants for employment, interns, whether paid or unpaid, contractors and persons conducting business for Nested Knowledge.
Definitions #
Sexual harassment may occur irrespective of gender and is defined as:
- unwanted attention of a sexually oriented nature, made by a person who knows or ought reasonably to know that such attention is unwanted; and/or
- an implied or expressed promise of reward for complying with or submitting to a sexually oriented request or advance; and/or
- an implied or expressed threat of reprisal for not complying with or submitting to a sexually oriented request or advance.
Sexual harassment includes:
- Verbal: Sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, insults, humor, and jokes about sex, anatomy or gender-specific traits, sexual propositions, threats, repeated requests for dates, or statements about other employees, even outside of their presence, of a sexual nature.
- Non-Verbal: Suggestive or insulting sounds (whistling), leering, obscene gestures, sexually suggestive bodily gestures, “catcalls”, “smacking” or “kissing” noises.
- Visual: Posters, signs, pin-ups or slogans of a sexual nature, viewing pornographic material or websites.
- Physical: Touching, unwelcome hugging or kissing, pinching, brushing the body, any coerced sexual act, or actual assault.
- Textual/Electronic: “Sexting” (electronically sending messages with sexual content, including pictures and video), the use of sexually explicit language, harassment, cyberstalking and threats via all forms of electronic communication (e-mail, text/picture/video messages, intranet/on-line postings, blogs, instant messages and social network websites like Facebook and Twitter).
Policy #
Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. All persons covered by this Policy have the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment.
Retaliation Prohibition: No one making a complaint, providing information, or otherwise assisting in any investigation of a sexual harassment complaint will be retaliated against, even if a complaint made in good faith is not substantiated. In addition, any witness will be protected from retaliation.
Reporting Harassment #
Company personnel, partners, vendors, and customers of Nested Knowledge may report incidents of sexual harassment through the anonymous online form. Documentation can be strengthened by written
records such as letters, notes, memos, and telephone messages.
All charges, including anonymous complaints, will be accepted and investigated by multiple members of the leadership team. If necessary, the report will be escalated to the Board of Directors.
Discipline #
Personnel who violate the Policy, including managers and supervisors who engage in sexual harassment, may be subject to immediate termination of the engagement, forfeiture of referral payments, and/or reversal of compensation paid within the preceding 60 days.
Revision History #
| Author | Date of Revision/Review | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| K. Cowie | 05/19/2025 | Created |
| K. Kallmes | 05/19/2025 | Approved |
