8/7/2019 #I00X-2011 OUSA Communications Policy PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION JM 11.07

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COMMUNICATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION POLICY

CATEGORY : OPERATIONALLAST M ODIFIED : N/A

VERSION N O .: 1F IRST R ATIFIED : TBCLAST R ATIFIED : N/AR EVIEW D ATE : TBC

1. P URPOSE1.1. This policy clarifies the process of dealing with communications made on behalf of

the Otago University Students Association. The Association believes that allmembers have a right to freedom of expression and to critique the Association, solong as such speech is not abusive, intimidating , harassing or spam.

2. I NTERPRETATION2.1. Abusive means any comments that a reasonable person would perceive as unfairly

attacking an individual on a personal level.Harassing means any comments that a reasonable person would perceive asunfairly and repeatedly targeting an individual.Intimidating means any comments that a reasonable person would perceive asunfairly threatening an individual with any negative action or consequence,especially when the individual is not in a position to defend themselves.Spam means any comment which is not remotely connected with the topic beingdiscussed and which is absurd or frivolous.

3. C OMMUNICATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION3.1. Only the President of the Association has the authority to issue official statements of

the Society.

3.2. All members, including Executive Officers, have a right to express their own opinionsand beliefs on any matter, whether or not that matter relates to the Association ornot.

4. C OMMUNICATIONS MADE USING ASSOCIATION R ESOURCES4.1. The Association shall appoint a Moderator of public comments made using

Association resources.4.2. The Association reserves the right to moderate any comment made on any

Association run resource which is abusive, intimidating, harassing or spam.4.3. The Moderator will only moderate those comments which fall within 4.1.4.4. If the Moderator does choose to moderate any comments made, they must:

4.4.1. Notify the maker of the comment with the reason for moderation, and givethem a chance to reply publicly; and

4.4.2. Notify the public with the reason for moderation, and give the public a chanceto comment.

4.5. The maker of any moderated comment, once given the chance to reply publicly, mayappeal the decision of the Moderator to the Executive, who shall make a finaldetermination on the matter.

4.6. On any such appeal, the appellant may present their case to the Executive before theExecutive makes a determination, and they may be accompanied by any supportpersons they wish to accompany them.

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