Discrimination and Harassment Policy

The Parotid Patient Project (“PPP”) wants to create a forum that is productive, safe and respectful for all participants.  Because of this, PPP expressly prohibits all forms of discrimination, harassment, threats, bullying or violence against PPP or other users.  This policy explains in more detail the types of activities we consider to be inappropriate and addresses how we will respond to any allegations of inappropriate conduct.

As a user of the Site, you agree to abide by this policy.

Discrimination Prohibited

We do not tolerate any discrimination based on protected classes under Federal or State law, including, but not limited to, race, sex, gender identity, age, national origin and/or ability or disability.  This means that neither PPP nor other users may target or take disciplinary or other action against a user on any of these bases.

Harassment Prohibited

There are many forms of harassment, including sexual harassment, racial harassment, or harassment based on age, disability, religion, marital status, national origin, or family status.  The following are meant as examples of the types of activities we consider harassment:

• Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including display of sexually suggestive materials.
• Unwelcome/offensive remarks, jokes, objects, materials, or pictures relating to national origin, race, or the color of any person’s skin, hair, eyes, disparaging of a person’s national origin, making racial or ethnic slurs or name-calling.
• Unwelcome/offensive remarks or jokes relating to age or a disability or perceived disability of another, such as derogatory remarks or taunting.

Violence, Threats and Bullying Prohibited

PPP prohibits acts of violence, threats of violence, intimidation or bullying by or between users.  Bullying can include verbal abuse, ridiculing, or invading the privacy of others, and does not necessarily have to be based on a status protected by Federal or State law.

Reporting Discrimination, Harassment, Violence, Threats or Bullying

If you believe in good faith that a user (or PPP) has violated these terms, we encourage you to start a constructive conversation asking that the behavior stop and remind the user of this policy.  If that does not work, or you are not comfortable doing so, please report the behavior immediately to PPP at forumadministration@parotidpatientproject.org.

Please provide enough information to allow us to investigate the complaint, including where the conduct occurred, dates/times, and screen shots (if possible).

Confirmed Violations and Prohibition on Retaliation

Any reports of violations made to us will be investigated and addressed as quickly as possible.  We will use best efforts to keep certain information, such as who reported the violation, confidential; however, we may need to share certain information in accordance with applicable law or with legal authorities.

If we determine, in our sole discretion, that a violation has occurred, we will take corrective action based on the specific circumstances.  For example, users may be prohibited from continued participation in the member forum, have Site access terminated, etc., particularly if the violation is particularly egregious or has happened more than once.  

PPP also does not tolerate acts of retaliation against anyone who reports, opposes, or complains of any violation or suspected violation in good faith, or against anyone who assists with or cooperates in any investigation of violations.  If you believe you have been retaliated against, please contact us at forumadministration@parotidpatientproject.org.

Effective Date: March 9, 2020