A Policy Guiding Inappropriate Behaviour
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (ArtsNL) does not tolerate any form of verbal abuse, harassment or intimidation of its staff or anyone working with ArtsNL in a professional capacity. This includes the following:
- Raising one’s voice.
- Using language or a tone that is aggressive, unpleasant, belittling, and/or vulgar.
- Making direct or indirect threats.
- Defaming, slandering, or making libellous claims about staff and Council members.
- Communicating too frequently and/or at inappropriate times.
- Refusing to accept the responses provided.
Abusive, aggressive, threatening, or vexatious complaints and correspondence are a minority, but Council’s employees sometimes find themselves in a position where they need to end communication with an individual.
Inappropriate behaviour could compromise the relationship of the individual with ArtsNL and the chances of obtaining its support in the future. Any inappropriate communication targeting ArtsNL’s official social media accounts will be dealt with in accordance with ArtsNL’s Netiquette Policy. Feedback expressed via social media will be dealt with on social media, in public or in private, and may be referred to ArtsNL’s executive team in accordance with ArtsNL’s Harassment Policy.
Pervasive, persistent, and/or repeated expressions of derogatory and/or offensive commentary or feedback may lead to a ban on interacting with ArtsNL staff or Council members.
Continued escalation of inappropriate behaviour may lead to other consequences.
Last Updated: January 2024