Larksong Writers Place Code of Conduct

Larksong is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for all writers, staff members, volunteers, and program participants regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, economic class, citizenship status, country or region of origin, veteran status, or religion (or lack thereof). 

Respect One Another: 

When attending a Larksong program, in-house or online, you are joining a community created specifically to support writers and people interested in the literary arts. We expect people to lead with kindness in interactions and treat each other with respect in all interactions. Harassment will not be tolerated. 

Harassment does not include respectful disagreement or critique in good faith. Reading and writing often include exposure to controversial, challenging, and sometimes offensive language. Be respectful of one another’s comfort levels and always lead with kindness. 

Harassment may include: 

• Repeated or sustained disruption of classes, lectures, or discussions.
• Deliberate intimidation, which may include, but is not limited to: initiating unwanted conversation; impeding access to or within the building; or other behavior that reasonably can be perceived to be hostile, threatening, intrusive, or offensive.
• Unwelcome physical or sexual contact.
• Verbal comments or displayed images that harmfully reinforce structures of oppression (i.e. racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, classism, ageism, colonialism, anti-Semitism and transphobia), sexually suggestive or obscene, threats, slurs, epithets, jokes about gender-specific traits, or sexual propositions. 
• Written contact, such as sexually suggestive or obscene letters, notes, emails, texts, invitations.
• Visual contact, such as leering, or staring at another’s body, gesturing, displaying sexually suggestive objects or pictures.
• Continuing to express sexual or social interest after being informed directly that the interest is unwelcome.

Respect Larksong Property

• Do not deface, damage, or destroy Larksong equipment, materials, or property.
• The use of tobacco products and smoking in any form, including electronic cigarettes, is only permitted outside Larksong buildings in designated areas. 
• Only certified service animals are allowed in Larksong facilities. Other animals are allowed only by permission of the director.
• Children under age 11 cannot be left unattended. 
• No weapons are allowed on Larksong Property.

Larksong personnel shall have responsibility for enforcing this policy. Disruptive behavior and other prohibited conduct will result in calling local law enforcement when necessary. Failure to comply with this code of conduct may result in expulsion and/or barring from Larksong facilities and events or other action deemed appropriate by Larksong director. Anyone wishing to appeal their expulsion or barring may submit a letter of appeal to the Director of Larksong.