anti-bias policy at pscs

At PSCS, we define diversity to include race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, different physical and cognitive abilities, and religion. We recognize that there may be other areas in need of attention that we have not identified here, or that will emerge with time. PSCS has an open admissions policy that reflects our aim to respect individual differences and learn from diversity.

We admit students of any racial, national, religious, or ethnic origin, from all backgrounds, belief systems, family dynamics, and orientations. In short, we recognize and invite the participation of all people, not discriminating on any basis in the administration of our programs.

From the PSCS Community Handbook:

PSCS Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, Micro-Aggression/Violence, and Retaliation

Every member of PSCS is entitled to study/work in an environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, family structure, marital status, genetic info, different abilities, neurodiversity, veteran or other protected status. PSCS does not tolerate harassment, regardless of whether the conduct is verbal, physical, or environmental.

Harassment is unwanted behavior, speech, writing, or pictures directed at an individual or group because of their race, color, sex, religion, or other descriptive identification. But harassment is not about sex, race, color, etc. It is about intimidation, control, misuse of power, and the attempt to deny equality. It can be blatant or subtle, one incident or a pattern. It can happen between students, between adults, or between an adult and a student. It can happen at any age. It does not matter if the person who is doing the harassment says they were only kidding or just having fun.

Harassment based on an individual's identity is a form of discrimination prohibited by PSCS. Harassment, including sexual harassment, based on any identity category, is unacceptable. PSCS will not tolerate any form of harassment that violates this policy. In the case of sexual harassment, it is important to recognize the difference between flirting and harassing behavior. Flirting is wanted and feels good. Harassment is unwanted and feels bad.

Microaggression/Violence are the everyday slights, insults, indignities, and denigrating messages that, whether intentional or unintentional, transmit hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to a target person because they belong to a stigmatized group. Microaggressions/violence are often framed positively (Your braids are so cool. Let me touch them. -or- Since you (Asian Americans) are so good at math, can you help me with a problem?). These messages may be sent verbally, nonverbally, or environmentally (like never participating in Affinity Groups or using an American Indian mascot as an avatar) and are particularly stressful for people on the receiving end as they are easily denied by those committing them.

Featured Profile

Daisy Gilman

PSCS volunteer and friend, Daisy Gilman, was introduced to PSCS through staff member Scobie Puchtler in 2013. She has been a friend, volunteer, committee member, and served on the Board of Trustees for two terms. “Kindness and compassion” as an approach to PSCS’ philosophy is what draws Daisy to PSCS. Spending time with students and staff is her favorite way to volunteer.

Besides facilitating classes such as Coffee Grows on Trees, and Handwritten Thank You Notes, Daisy also chaperoned students on overnight snowshoeing trips at Mt. Rainier with past-staff member and friend, Chrissy Wakeling.

Daisy graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a degree in nutrition, and an MBA from University of Washington. She worked for Starbucks for many years, happily retiring from corporate America in early 2015.

Daisy calls classical music her “live blood” and started piano lessons again after many years of hiatus. “If I were exiled for life on an island, please at least give me a piano and both books of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier.”

Besides music, Daisy loves to travel, golf, spend time with friends, eat delicious food, and bake bread and pies from scratch. In the fall and winter months, she delegates Sundays for football and faithfully dons her cape for the Seahawks (yes, she really has a Seahawks cape). Daisy now lives in Port Orchard with her husband, Ken.

“As I continue to mature, I have a deep appreciation that my life is about being playful, with intermittent moments of seriousness; not the other way around. I work hard to live my philosophy.”

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