With respect to the treatment of paid and volunteer staff, the president shall:
- Operate with written personnel policies that clarify personnel rules for staff, provide for effective handling and redress of grievances, and protect against wrongful conditions.
- Assure that there is an accessible environment to freely examine and discuss assumptions and data and be guided by evidence.
- Never discriminate against any staff member for expressing an ethical dissent or retaliate against any staff member for engaging in whistleblowing activities as defined in ORS 659A.200 to 659A.229 or for addressing the Board as provided in subsection 4 of this policy.
- Not prevent staff from addressing the board when internal grievance procedures have been exhausted and the employee alleges that board policy has been violated to their detriment.
- Opportunities to address the board may occur either in writing or during public comment.
- Operate within a collaborative and participative environment.
- Acquaint staff with their rights under this policy.
- Provide an annual report to the board on complaints and resolutions.
- Take reasonable steps to provide for the safety and security of staff.
Legal: ORS 659A - Unlawful Discrimination in Employment, Public Accommodations and Real Property Transactions
ORS 659A.200 - Definitions
Note: This policy replaces retired Board Policy 555 (last reviewed March 5, 2025). The language has been adopted without change and renumbered to align with the four-digit policy structure.