Harassment Grievance Form
According to Resolution 33 adopted by DSA,
Members shall not engage in harassment on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical appearance, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, class, age, or profession. Harassing or abusive behavior, such as unwelcome attention, inappropriate or offensive remarks, slurs, or jokes, physical or verbal intimidation, stalking, inappropriate physical contact or proximity, and other verbal and physical conduct constitute harassment when:
Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a member’s continued affiliation with DSA;
Submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for organizational decisions affecting such individual; or
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile environment interfering with an individual’s capacity to organize within DSA.
Resolution 33 also prohibits retaliation against a person who assists someone with a complaint of harassment, or participates in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment. Retaliatory behaviors includes threats, intimidation, reprisals, and/or adverse actions related to organizing.
The Colorado Springs DSA bylaws additionally enable the expulsion of members from the local chapter in “Article 3, Section 2: Removal of Members” as quoted below:
Section 2. Removal of Members.
If a member in good standing is found to be in substantial disagreement with the principles or policies of national DSA, or if they are found to be consistently engaging in undemocratic, disruptive behavior, or if they are found to be under the discipline of any democratic centralist organization, the Local Chapter may vote to expel them from the Local Chapter of DSA. In order for such a finding to be made, another DSA member must formally prefer written charges against the member in question to the Local Chapter Executive Committee, which will set the date of a Local Chapter meeting for deliberations on the charges. The member in question must receive a copy of the written charges and notice of the meeting a minimum of two (2) weeks before that meeting takes place. Expulsion of a member requires a two-thirds vote of the Local Chapter meeting. An expelled member in good standing may appeal to the National Political Committee of DSA.
If you wish a response, please provide an email address or phone number where you can be contacted. This form goes to csdsa.grievance@gmail.com, and will be kept confidential unless you authorize contact with the individuals or witnesses you name.
The HGOs will contact you within seven business days to obtain any additional information and/or discuss with you the grievance process, so that you may determine whether you choose to move forward with the processing of a formal grievance.
Colorado Springs Chapter Harassment Grievance Officer(s)
Eve Davies
Miranda Mangels