Sample H.R. Policies for Addressing Harassment & Discrimination (NVCA)
To: NVCA, HR Policy Subcommittee
From: Proskauer Rose - Jeremy M. Mittman and Elaine H. Lee
Miller Law Group - Walter Stella and Emi Gusukuma
Lowenstein Sandler LLP - Julie Levinson Werner
Perkins Coie LLP - Sue J. Stott and Jonathan S. Longino
Date: February 22, 2018
Re: Human Resources (H.R.) Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policies
National Venture Capital Association
Sample H.R. Policies for Addressing Harassment and Discrimination
Disclaimer: Please note that information contained in the sample policies included here is provided for informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. Organizations referring to these sample policies should consult legal counsel for advice on implementing these policies. Language highlighted in yellow indicates where a firm may add its own preferred language or remove the section, so as to allow greater flexibility and to demonstrate areas where policies can be tailored to a firm’s needs or preferences. Of course, a firm should feel free to make any other language changes that are appropriate for their business as well.
Preface: The sample policies included in this memo focus on harassment and discrimination in venture capital firms. These policies are not a replacement for and do not constitute a comprehensive set of H.R. policies or an employee handbook; these are policies geared more towards addressing and preventing harassment and discrimination at venture capital firms.
Some of these example policies will be mandated and legally required depending upon such variables as geography and firm size. Others are ideas for possible incorporation to support the prevention of harassment and discrimination. Please check with counsel to ensure a full understanding of the laws applicable to your Firm.
And, finally, we encourage venture capital firms to share these policies with their portfolio companies as appropriate. Together, we can make a difference.
Table of Content
...................... Mission Statement............................................................................................................ 1
.................... Non-Discrimination Policy............................................................................................ 1
................... Anti-Harassment Policy................................................................................................... 2
Mission Statement
At our Firm we are committed to building a workplace/creating a work environment in which everyone is empowered to develop, to contribute, and to succeed. As a Firm, we do not tolerate harassment and discrimination. Creating an inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable, safe, and free from inappropriate and disrespectful conduct is one of our core values.
This policy, as well as other Firm policies or practices, are not an express or implied contract, bargain, or agreement, nor do they confer any contractual rights whatsoever or guarantee your employment with the Firm for any specific duration.
This policy applies to all employees regardless of the date of hire.
Non-Discrimination Policy
This is a preview. The full template is free on GitLaw.
5.0 out of 5 on Google
Read reviewsAs seen in
United States note
This version is drafted for US law generally. Contract, employment and consumer rules vary by state — for example on non-competes and at-will employment. Tell GitLaw which state applies and it adjusts the draft.
Frequently asked questions
A template isn't binding on its own - like any contract, it becomes binding once it's properly completed and signed. Templates in our curated library are professionally drafted for US or UK law; review any template before you sign it.
Yes. Chat with GitLaw to edit any section, or make changes directly in the editor.
Yes, read about team plans here.
Describe what you need in the chat and GitLaw will draft it for you.
Templates in our curated library are professionally drafted for US or UK law. The wider library comes from the GitLaw community and public sources - a solid starting point, but check any template fits your situation before you rely on it.
Mostly US and UK law. Some templates use general commercial terms that work across jurisdictions, and many note which law they're written for.
It depends on the situation. Templates work well for routine business agreements. For anything involving significant money, complex IP, employment, or areas you're unsure about, it's worth getting professional advice before you sign. GitLaw provides templates and tools, not legal advice.
Open any template in GitLaw and describe the change you want in the chat — 'make clause 4 mutual' or 'add a 30-day notice period', for example. GitLaw drafts the revised language and shows it as a suggested edit. You accept, reject, or keep editing from there.
Yes. Upload a Word, PDF, or Markdown file and GitLaw will open it in the editor. You can review, edit, or chat with GitLaw about it the same way you would with any template from the library.
Trusted by 5,000+ businesses
From template to signed, in one place
Every template opens in an editor with an AI agent alongside it.
Open
Pick a template and open it. Nothing to download, and no credit card to start.
Free to open
Edit with AI
Describe your situation in chat and the agent adapts the wording, clause by clause.
Tracked changes you can review
Send and sign
Share it for negotiation, then collect signatures without leaving GitLaw.
eSign included
Built for your legal work,
with practicing lawyers
Trained on 5,500+ clauses and specialist areas of law. Built with a standards committee of independent lawyers.
As seen in
Ready to get started?
No sales calls, no credit card. Just chat with GitLaw.
GitLaw provides templates and tools, not legal advice. Templates are a starting point, not a substitute for advice on your situation - for anything significant, speak to a qualified lawyer.