Santa Rosa Tool Library
 Non-Discrimination Policy (Posted Version – Sonoma County California)
 Effective: 08/19/2025


 Policy Statement
 The Santa Rosa Tool Library (SRTL) is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment for all people. SRTL does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. In California, this includes, at minimum: race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law. SRTL also prohibits discrimination based on perception or association with any protected status.

 Scope
 This policy applies to all individuals involved with SRTL, including:


Policy Principles

Equal Opportunity: SRTL provides equal access to programs, services, information, facilities, and employment and volunteer opportunities.

Respect and Dignity: All persons deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy.

Safety: Everyone has a right to a safe environment free from harassment, intimidation, and exploitation.

Accessibility: SRTL strives to ensure programs and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities and to reasonably accommodate individuals’ accessibility needs, in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s accessibility standards.

Accountability: All borrowers of the SRTL community share responsibility for upholding this policy and reporting concerns.


Prohibited Conduct

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying based on any protected characteristic (as listed above) or any other status protected by law.

Discrimination in participation in programs, access to facilities, lending services, volunteer roles, employment, internships, or leadership opportunities.

Retaliation against anyone who has reported a concern, participated in an investigation, or assisted in any related matter.

Any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, creating a hostile environment through actions, language, or behaviors.


Accommodation and Accessibility

SRTL will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or other protected characteristics who request them to enable participation in programs, access to facilities, or employment/volunteer opportunities, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship.

Examples of accommodations: accessible facility access, alternative formats of materials, modified volunteer roles, sign language interpretation, or other adjustments as appropriate.

Requests for accommodations should be directed to the designated Equality and Policy Officer (or the appropriate contact person) and will be considered promptly.


Reporting and Resolution Procedures

How to report: Reports may be submitted in writing or verbally to the designated Equality and Policy Officer, a staff member, a volunteer coordinator, or a member of the Board of Directors. Reports should include the complainant’s name, the individuals involved, a description of the incident, dates/times, and any supporting evidence.

Investigation: SRTL will promptly acknowledge receipt of the report, conduct a fair and thorough investigation, and maintain confidentiality to the extent possible. The investigation may include interviews with involved parties and witnesses, review of relevant records, and consideration of applicable policies and laws.

Confidentiality: Information gathered during an investigation will be kept confidential to the extent permissible and shared only with those who need to know to resolve the matter.

Responsiveness: The organization will take appropriate corrective action if discrimination or harassment is found. Possible actions include training, changes in procedures, modification of roles, temporary suspension, or termination of involvement with SRTL, depending on the severity and circumstances.

Timelines: Complaints will be acknowledged within a reasonable time (typically 5 business days) and investigated with a goal of a timely resolution. Complex investigations may take longer; the complainant will be updated on progress as appropriate.


Non-Retaliation

SRTL prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination or harassment, participates in an investigation, or assists in any related matter. Retaliation is a policy violation and will be treated as seriously as the original conduct.


Protection of Privacy

SRTL will protect the privacy of individuals involved in complaints and investigations to the extent possible while complying with applicable laws and the need to investigate.


Training and Communication

SRTL will provide ongoing training to all staff, volunteers, and board members on anti-discrimination, respectful workplace conduct, inclusive practices, and the proper handling of complaints.

This policy will be communicated to all new members, volunteers, and participants and will be posted in accessible locations (physical and online).


Policy Administration

Responsible Officer: The designated Equality and Policy Officer (or similarly titled position) is responsible for administering this policy, handling complaints, and coordinating accommodations and accessibility efforts.

Review: This policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in law, best practices, or organizational needs. Any amendments require approval by the Board of Directors.


Definitions (for clarity)

Protected characteristic: Any trait protected by law, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Harassment: Unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile environment or unreasonably interfere with participation.


Postings and Accessibility

This policy is posted at accessible locations (physical and online) and available in languages relevant to the Santa Rosa community.