OSPA has a generic non-discrimination statement in it's new, incorporated by-laws. The proposed policy (below) explains more specifically how OSPA should function in a non-discriminatory manner:

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

FOR

OREGON SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

The purpose of the non-discrimination policy is to ensure the organization, its representatives, and its affiliates do not engage in activities that may be considered discriminatory, above and beyond the requirements of Article VII, Section 6 of the Bylaws (adopted 8/23/11).

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

• OSPA affiliation. The Oregon School Psychologists Association (OSPA) is an affiliate of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).  As a condition of affiliation and membership, OSPA and its members agree to abide by the latest NASP Principles for Professional Ethics and related NASP policy statements relating to ethics and discrimination.

• Formal Relationships.  Examples of formal relationships include contracts, written agreements, individual appointment to Board committees, or arrangements with other individuals, agencies, businesses or institutions.  For purposes of this policy, formal relationships exclude activities of the Voting Membership as defined under the Bylaws.

• Discrimination. OSPA’s No Discrimination provision is defined in the Bylaws.  Under current policy, OSPA also adheres to the NASP definition of discrimination as, “treating people with adverse impact because they have similar characteristics or because they are from specific groups.”  

ARTICLE II

PROCEDURES

• Fulfilling Ethical Standards.  OSPA does not condone actions, create policies, or agree to formal relationships that may violate its obligation to the ethical standards regarding non-discrimination both within the organization and outside of the organization.  

• Engaging in Formal Relationships. Before engaging in formal relationships with any individual, agency, business or institution, the Board of Directors will undertake a review of any reports of current or potential discrimination engaged in by said individual or organization.  The Board of Directors will provide a written report of that review to the individual or institution before concluding whether a formal relationship may be established, or any existing formal relationship should be terminated.

• Reporting Discrimination.  Any Voting Member of the organization may provide evidence to the Board of Directors regarding potential conflicts of this non-discrimination policy.  

• Institution Affiliation. OSPA’s Bylaws do not currently have provisions for formal institutional affiliations other than recognizing student membership (Voting Members) as requiring current enrollment in a regionally accredited institution.  Otherwise, any other institutional affiliation initiated through OSPA either through policy or revision to the Bylaws would be considered a “formal relationship” under this non-discrimination policy.   

• Education.  OSPA has an ethical obligation to educate members, agencies, businesses or institutions regarding ways they may avoid discriminatory practices, or changes that would need to be made in order for them to engage in formal relationships with OSPA.  

ARTICLE II

PERIODIC REVIEWS

To ensure that OSPA and the Board of Directors do not engage in activities that may be considered non-discriminatory, periodic reviews will be conducted in the following areas:

• Whether OSPA is currently engaged in a formal relationship with any individual, agency, business, or institution believed to be participating in discriminatory activities.  If deemed so, the Board of Directors will provide a written plan of action to either terminate the formal relationship or obtain evidence supporting that no discrimination was occurring.  

• Whether the provisions of this policy should be amended and made available for review by the Voting Membership.  Approval of this policy does not require a vote of the membership unless it is deemed under the Bylaws to alter the power, rights or obligations of the Voting Membership.  

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