The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, visitors, Board members, partners, and contractors.
1. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Employment (hiring, promotion, compensation, training, termination)
- Volunteer and internship programs
- Visitor access and experience
- Membership, governance, and Board appointments
- Exhibitions, educational, and public programs
- Facility use, partnerships, and community events
2. Prohibited Forms of Discrimination
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic, including but not limited to:
“race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability or handicap, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, genetic information, citizenship or immigration status, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected under federal, state, or local law.”
3. Harassment & Hostile Environment
Harassment—whether verbal, physical, or visual—that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to racist, sexist, homophobic, or other derogatory behavior.
4. Reasonable Accommodations
We commit to providing reasonable accommodations and modifications under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, unless doing so creates undue hardship. This includes accessible facilities, communication supports, and adjustments for employees or participating individuals with disabilities.
5. Retaliation
There shall be no retaliation against anyone who:
- Reports discrimination or harassment
- Participates in or cooperates with investigations
- Opposes practices believed to be unlawful
Retaliation itself is a violation of this policy.
6. Reporting & Resolution
Anyone who experiences or witnesses discriminatory or harassing conduct is urged to:
- Report it immediately to a supervisor, Human Resources, Title IX/EEO Officer, or other designated official
- Complaints will be addressed promptly, confidentially, and without retaliation
- Investigations will be impartial and follow museum-defined procedures
- Appropriate corrective actions, up to termination or removal, will be taken as needed
7. Responsibilities
- Leadership (Board, Senior Staff, Supervisors) is responsible for:
- Communicating, modeling, and enforcing this policy
- Ensuring all personnel complete mandatory training on discrimination prevention
- All Employees, Volunteers, and Affiliates are required to:
- Adhere to this policy
- Cooperate with any related investigation
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is unwavering in its commitment to equity, dignity, and respect for all.
