Revised May 2022

References:

  1. Canadian Human Rights Act
  2. Black Belt Code of Conduct
  3. Instructor Requirements and Code
  4. Staff Code
  5. Dojo Rules for All Students

Purpose

  1. The following defines Harassment and Sexual Harassment, and the process to follow upon discovery of such unacceptable conduct.

General

  1. Harassment is defined as:

Improper conduct by an individual that is directed at and offensive to another individual in the Dojo, including at any event or any location related to the Dapo, and that the individual knew or ought reasonably to have known would cause offence or harm.

  1. Examples of Harassment in the Dapo include, however are not limited to:
    1. Improper and offensive conduct;
    2. Objectional acts, comments or displays;
    3. Acts of intimidation or threats; and
    4. Acts, comments or displays in relation to a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act (i.e. based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability and pardoned conviction).
  2. Sexual Harassment is defined as:

Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Especially when, such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive Dapo environment.

  1. Unwelcomed behaviour is the critical word. Unwelcomed does not mean “involuntary”. A victim may consent or agree to certain conduct and actively participate in it even though it is offensive and objectionable. Therefore, sexual conduct is unwelcome whenever the person subjected to it considers it unwelcome. Whether the person in fact welcomed a request for a date, sex-oriented comment, or joke depends on all the circumstances.
  2. Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Dapo include, however are not limited to:
    1. Actual or attempted rape or sexual assault;
    2. Unwanted pressure for sexual favors;
    3. Unwanted deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering, or pinching;
    4. Unwanted sexual look or gestures;
    5. Unwanted letters, telephone calls, text messages, Emails, or materials of a sexual nature;
    6. Touching the person’s clothing, hair, or body;
    7. Hugging, kissing, patting, or stroking;
    8. Touching or rubbing oneself sexually around another person; and
    9. Standing close or brushing up against another person.
  3. Although harassment is normally a series of incidents, one single incident can constitute harassment when it is demonstrated that it is severe and has a significant and lasting impact on the complainant.