Conference 7.286::digital

    Demeaning jokes of any type should not be tolerated on the net.  If you
    receive one, return it to the sender with a note to that effect.  They
    will stop.  
    
    Marge

    > Why do we treat one type of minority (based on race) with deserved
    > respect but ...
    
    Perhaps the motivation is $$.
    
    During recent years companies have been hit with discrimation lawsuits
    where it was claimed that the company did not treat racial minorities
    or women well in hiring, promotion, etc.
    
    Also, the U.S. government prefers to business with companies that
    are owned by members of racial minorities or that have strong
    affirmative action policies.
    
    There is no money to be made or saved by bending over backwards
    for other classes of minorities.
    
    I think that the treatment of minorities should not be a business
    issue, but a moral issue.

        RE: .2 --
        
>    I think that the treatment of minorities should not be a business
>    issue, but a moral issue.
        
        It is both.  Digital is very interested in acknowledging and
        valuing differences.  This is not just paid "lip service" in the
        corporation; real cash dollars are spent on addressing the many
        issues around this. 
        
        The fact that society at large tolerates and in some cases even
        encourages irrational prejudices makes it difficult, if not
        impossible, to assure that "the right thing" is done in every
        case.  None the less, Digital has clear policies on using the
        corporations resources to engage in harassment of this sort. 
        
        An appropriate response to anyone using Digital's computer systems
        and networks to transmit inappropriate messages is to MAIL back to
        the author a copy of Digital's personnel policy on this very
        matter.  The policy can be extracted from the VTX ORANGEBOOK
        infobase; it's included in two policies, the one on harassment
        (6.03) and the one on proper use of Digital's computers, systems,
        and networks (6.54).  The policy on employee conduct (6.24) is
        also relevant. 
        
        In fact, the policy on proper use of computers, systems, and
        networks goes farther -- it says that you should forward a copy of
        the offending message to your supervisor and to the person
        responsible for managing your local information systems. 
        
        While these policies are subject to change, they have not changed
        recently; I'll post them as replies to this topic for the
        convenience of those who don't have convenient access to VTX
        or to an up-to-date copy of the PP&P manual.
        
        Tom

Harassment                                         Effective: 5-JUL-82
                                                     Section: 6.03    

 It is the policy of Digital Equipment Corporation that all our
 employees should be able to enjoy a work environment free of
 discrimination and harassment.

 Harassment refers to behavior which is personally offensive,
 impairs morale and interferes with the work effectiveness of
 employees.  Any harassment of employees by other employees will not
 be permitted, regardless of their working relationship.

 This policy refers to, but is not limited to, harassment in the
 following areas:  (1)age, (2)race, (3)color, (4)national origin,
 (5)religion, (6)sex, (7)handicap and (8)veteran status.  Such
 harassment includes unsolicited remarks, gestures or physical
 contact; display or circulation of written materials or pictures
 degrading to either gender or to racial, ethnic, or religious
 groups; and verbal abuse or insults directed at or made in the
 presence of members of a racial, ethnic or minority group.

 Sexual harassment includes unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for
 sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct that is both
 sexual and offensive in nature.  Sexual harassment undermines the
 employment relationship by creating an intimidating, hostile or
 offensive work environment.

 In determining whether alleged conduct is sexual harassment, the
 nature of the sexual advances and the context in which they
 supposedly occurred must be examined.

 Individuals who believe they have been subjected to harassment from
 either a coworker or a supervisor should make it clear that such
 behavior is offensive to them.  If the behavior continues, they
 should bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate manager
 and/or their Personnel Representative.  (See Open Door Policy, 6.02.)

 In fulfilling their obligation to maintain a positive and pro-
 ductive work environment, managers and supervisors are expected to
 halt any harassment of which they become aware by restating the
 Company Policy and, when necessary, by more direct disciplinary
 action.  (See Corrective Action and Discipline Policy, 6.21.)

Employee Conduct                                   Effective: 04-FEB-85
                                                     Section: 6.24     

 SCOPE:  WORLDWIDE

 Digital strives to create and maintain a positive work environment.
 To achieve this, the Company encourages courteous and respectful
 behavior, a responsible attitude toward work and respect for
 employee and Company property.

 The Company feels strongly about this and has developed this
 Employee Conduct Statement to help clarify differences in judgment.
 This statement outlines general principles on which employees are
 expected to base their behavior and cites examples of unacceptable
 conduct; the examples are not meant to be all-inclusive.


 IN GENERAL, EMPLOYEES CAN ANTICIPATE THAT ACTIONS HARMFUL TO
 ANOTHER EMPLOYEE OR TO THE COMPANY ARE CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINARY
 PROCEDURES OR POSSIBLE DISMISSAL.  SPECIFICALLY, EMPLOYEES ARE
 EXPECTED TO BE AT THEIR WORK SITES AND ATTEND TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES.


 EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO RESPECT THE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY
 OF OTHERS.

 For example, they will not:

      o Discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion or
        ethnic background.

      o Fight with or physically abuse coworkers or the employees of
        vendors or customers.

      o Behave in a manner offensive to others.

      o Solicit from others on working time.


 EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO RESPECT THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS.

 For example, they will not:

      o Destroy, deface or damage property belonging to Digital, its
        customers, vendors or employees.

      o Misuse or misappropriate Company assets or steal from the
        Company, its employees, vendors or customers.

      o Help anyone gain unauthorized entrance to or exit from
        Company facilities.

      o Use Company equipment or property without authorization.


 EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO TREAT INFORMATION APPROPRIATELY.

 For example, they will not:

      o Misrepresent or intentionally omit facts to obtain
        employment or falsify employment, medical or security records.

      o Disclose to any unauthorized person any Company Confidential
        or government classified information or material.

      o Intentionally falsify any Company record or report.

      o Access computer files or give information to others to
        access computer files when not properly authorized.

      o Possess or use on Company or customer premises any photo-
        graphic equipment which hasn't been properly authorized by
        security.


 EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO HELP MAINTAIN A SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT.

 For example, they will not:

      o Possess or use on Company or customer premises any weapons,
        firearms or explosive devices.

      o Work under the influence of, possess or use intoxicants or
        illegal drugs on Company or customer premises.

      o Participate in any form of illegal gaming or gambling on
        Company or customer property.

 Interpretations for some of these general principles may be subject
 to legal and cultural mores in countries where Digital has
 facilities.  If you have questions, please talk with your supervisor.

    Mr. Blinn:  does not your noting "personal_name" constitute
                a joke at the expense of the inhabitants of
    		a certain Antipodean� country?
    
    
    (Well, it's Antipodean where I come from anyway.  It ain't
     necessarily so to everyone else, I'll admit.)
    

    re:.7
    
    I'm afraid that if the good doctor lived and worked out here,(near
    S.F.) his personal name string would cause untold grief for
    DEC.(marches,demonstrations etc.)

    RE: last 2
    
    What does a quote from 'Entertainment Tonight' have to do with
    marches and demonstration?  I mean Springsteen may be popular
    but he seems approchable.