Indiana Democratic Party Passes Code of Conduct and Forms Ethics Committee

INDIANAPOLIS - The State Central Committee of the Indiana Democratic Party passed a package of rules on Thursday evening to adopt a Code of Conduct and to form an Ethics Committee inside the Party structure.

"The Indiana Democratic Party is committed to fostering a safe and vibrant environment for all affiliates of our party. Establishing a Code of Conduct ensures all complaints brought to the party are treated fairly and equally," said Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl. "The newly approved Ethics Committee will review complaints and forward recommendations directly to the State Central Committee. We believe that all workplaces in our state should be free of any forms of harassment and discrimination, and that those who come forward with allegations of wrongdoing should have their complaint reviewed in a fair and impartial manner and should be protected from retaliation in their workplace.

Our values as the Democratic Party are vital, and these actions are important steps our party has taken to strengthen the reporting process for all party members and affiliates. Indiana joins other state parties that have established a Code of Conduct or policy - and these actions build on the progress the State Party has made as an employer to ensure its employees are safeguarded against sexual harassment. In addition to our party being a safe employer with clearly established policies and procedures, we will be providing additional leadership and resources for future campaigns around the state so that campaign leaders will ensure that sexual harassment is taken seriously and that they understand their role and responsibility to their staff as an employer.

Moreover, I have heard from members of our party over the last few weeks and I have listened to their suggestions and criticisms. I will continue to engage in dialogue with people who reach out. Taking action on this issue is a priority for me, our party, our team, and our State Central Committee. A party is bigger than one person and I believe that our collective action today is a step in the right direction so our party is stronger for the future."

The purpose of the Indiana Democratic Party's Code of Conduct is to foster and encourage a

healthy culture of engagement, civic action, respect, inclusion, and safety among all individuals

involved with Democratic politics in the state of Indiana.

The Code of Conduct applies to all affiliates of the Party, which includes but is not limited to: elected officials, candidates, volunteers, Official Party Members, Party staff, Party interns, and attendees of Party events.

The Code of Conduct covers incidents of bias, discrimination, and harassment. It has specific sections relating to prevention of sexual harassment and protects Party affiliates from retaliation for coming forward.

Lastly, the Code lays out disciplinary action which may be taken against those who violate it, including, but not limited to: a written warning, a censure, suspension, and a ban.

Additionally, the Party has formed an Ethics Committee which will lead reviews of Code of Conduct violations. Its composition starts with the appointment of an Ethics Chair. The Ethics Chair will develop a process to accept and review complaints.

The Ethics Committee will report all recommendations directly to the State Central Committee for deliberation and final action.

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