The Executive Director or his or her designee is authorized to issue warnings and suspensions for the following violations:

Major Violations

A major violation results in immediate 90-day minimum suspension of membership. SCAT’s response to a member’s second major violation is decided by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Major violations may include, but are not limited to:

• commercial or profit-making use of SCAT facilities without a rental agreement,
• misrepresentation of member’s affiliation with SCAT to others,
• falsifying forms,
• taking or reserving equipment without staff permission, and
• abuse of equipment, including attempted repair or rewiring

Physical or Verbal Abuse

Committing unlawful or violent acts against SCAT members, staff, or non-members within the facility or at SCAT-related events will result in immediate and non-refundable revocation of SCAT membership. Committing verbal abuse, including shouting or insulting language, against SCAT members, staff, or non-members within the facility or at SCAT-related events will result in an immediate 30-day suspension of SCAT membership and cablecasting privileges.

Violations of Program Disclosure Statement

Failure to disclose the presence of Advisory Material (profanity, excessive violence, nudity or explicit sexual material) is a major violation of SCAT’s Policies and Procedures and will result in an immediate 90-day suspension of SCAT membership and cablecasting privileges and a written warning to and verbal consultation with the person who submitted the program for cablecast.

• If at any time after this first violation that person again violates this disclosure requirement for any program or series that person will be suspended from the right to submit programming for cablecast for a period of six months.
• If a different person submits the same program or series and violates the disclosure agreement, the person committing this violation will be suspended from the right to submit programming for cablecast for a period of six months.
• Any person who violates the disclosure requirement within a 12 month period after a six month suspension will be suspended from submitting programs for cablecast for one full year.

Minor Violations

Minor violations result in the following series of actions within a one-year period:
First violation: Written or oral warning
Second violation: Written warning
Third violation: 30-day membership suspension
Fourth violation: 90-day membership suspension

SCAT’s response to a member’s further minor violations will be decided by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

Minor violations may include, but are not limited to:

• failure to cancel a reservation within 24 hours,
• returning or picking up equipment late without notification and approval,
• mishandling equipment,
• eating or drinking in no-eating areas,
• smoking in the building, and
• failure to clean up after using the facilities.

Grievance Procedure

Members are encouraged to resolve difficulties on the staff level. Anyone wishing to appeal an action of the staff may document the grievance in writing and request a hearing by members of the Board of Directors. Within 30 days of receiving the grievance document, the appropriate committee of the Board of Directors shall render a decision on the merits of the grievance and any remedies.

Right To Refuse

SCAT reserves the right for its staff to refuse the use of facilities, equipment or services to any individual who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or who interferes with the orderly conduct of business.

Exceptions

SCAT's Staff and Board of Directors occasionally make exceptions to the above rules. Prior approval is required.

Harassment Policies

Somerville Community Access Television, Inc. (SCAT) is committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination and unlawful harassment. Employees and members are protected from harassment on the basis of their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap (disability), participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, sexual orientation, genetics, or active military or veteran status.

Actions, words, jokes, or comments based upon an individual's gender or any legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated at SCAT. All employees and members of SCAT must understand that it is essential to maintain professional, friendly and cooperative working relationships at SCAT. Harassment is a form of misconduct that is demeaning to another person, undermines the integrity of the employment or membership relationship and is strictly prohibited. Prohibited behavior includes slurs or other derogatory comments, displaying objects, pictures, or cartoons, and demeaning gestures connected to one’s membership in a protected group.

Copies of SCAT’s Harassment Policy are available upon request.