Zero Tolerance Policy

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, harassment, bullying, oppression, and abuse in any form within its organization and affiliated entities. This applies to all individuals, including members, employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors, partners, and participants. The NAD reserves the right to remove any person who violates this conduct policy from any NAD-sanctioned events. If the conduct occurs outside of a NAD sanctioned event but is connected to the person’s role or the victim’s role with the NAD, we reserve the right to ban such person from all future NAD events. No refunds will be given to any person who has been expelled from a fee-based event due to a violation of this conduct policy.

Reporting

Reports of misconduct should be promptly reported to the Chief Executive Officer, the President or Vice President of the Board, or any member of the Board of Directors. All reports will be handled with confidentiality, and retaliation will not be tolerated.

Consequences

Violations will result in disciplinary action, which may include the termination of membership, employment, or other affiliation with the NAD. Criminal behavior will be reported to law enforcement. Consequences for violations include: 

  • Removal from events, whether virtual or in-person.
  • Being barred from attending any or all NAD-sanctioned events, including but not limited to conferences, town halls, presentations, and webinars, whether in person or virtually.
  • Being prohibited from contacting the NAD, any NAD employee, and any NAD Board Member
  • Denial of services