The Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® (SBAOR) is committed to fostering a safe, professional, and inclusive environment for all participants at SBAOR sponsored events, meetings, and activities. SBAOR has a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, discrimination, and inappropriate behavior of any kind.
This Code of Conduct applies to all SBAOR members, guests, staff, volunteers, leadership, sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, vendors, media, and other participants at SBAOR events. By attending an SBAOR event, you agree to adhere to this Code and understand that violations may result in immediate disciplinary action.
1. Expected Behavior
All participants are expected to:
- Act professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward others.
- Respect the diversity of perspectives and experiences of fellow participants.
- Avoid aggressive promotion of personal services, products, or causes.
- Follow all venue rules, SBAOR policies, and applicable laws.
- Consume alcohol responsibly at SBAOR events where permitted.
- Report safety concerns or inappropriate behavior to SBAOR staff.
2. Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
- Harassment & Discrimination
- Verbal, physical, or electronic harassment, including offensive comments related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or any other protected status.
- Bullying, intimidation, or stalking of any attendee, speaker, or staff member.
- Unwanted physical contact, including inappropriate touching, hugging, or brushing against someone without consent.
- Sexual harassment, including unwanted advances, sexually suggestive comments, or requests for sexual favors.
- Disruptive Conduct
- Deliberate interruptions of speakers, presentations, or event activities.
- Unruly, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior that disturbs the peace of the event.
- Defamation, slander, or spreading false or harmful information about SBAOR, its members, or event participants.
- Substance Use & Safety Violations
- Excessive alcohol consumption leading to disruptive or unsafe behavior.
- Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances, including narcotics and marijuana.
- Possession of weapons or any objects that could be used to threaten or cause harm.
- Vandalism or destruction of property belonging to SBAOR, the event venue, or other attendees.
3. Consequences of Violations
SBAOR will not tolerate violations of this Code of Conduct. If a participant engages in prohibited behavior, SBAOR staff may take any of the following actions:
- Verbal or written warning regarding the behavior.
- Immediate removal from the event without refund.
- Suspension or prohibition from attending future SBAOR events.
- Referral for further disciplinary review by SBAOR leadership.
- Involvement of law enforcement, if necessary.
- Any individual asked to stop unacceptable behavior must comply immediately.
4. Reporting Violations
If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately to SBAOR staff, event organizers, or leadership. Reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality.
SBAOR staff will be available to:
- Assist in contacting venue security or local law enforcement, if necessary.
- Provide an escort or take other appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
- Investigate and address all reports promptly and fairly.
- Reports may also be submitted via email to support@sbaor.com, and anonymous reporting options may be available.
SBAOR is committed to ensuring a respectful and harassment-free environment for all event participants. Any reported incident will be thoroughly and promptly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.
Additionally, retaliation against individuals who report misconduct or cooperate in an investigation is strictly prohibited.
SBAOR reserves the right to modify this policy at any time to reflect best practices and maintain a safe, professional environment.