Miss America / Miss America’s Teen Grievance Policy and Procedure:

Purpose:

The purpose of this Grievance Policy is to ensure a fair, transparent, and confidential process for addressing grievances within the Miss America system on all levels. This policy outlines the procedures for reporting grievances and establishes benchmarks that warrant internal investigations to maintain the integrity and ethical standards of the program.

1. Grievance Reporting:

Any person may report a grievance in writing to the national office. Grievances should be submitted within 30 days of the incident(s) giving rise to the complaint. However, grievances will be reviewed regardless of the date it is received.

2. Grievance Officer:

The Grievance Officer shall be a neutral and impartial individual appointed by the Miss America HQ. The Grievance Officer will oversee the grievance process, ensure confidentiality, and conduct internal investigations when necessary.

3. Grievance Benchmarks for Internal Investigation:

Internal investigations will be initiated when the reported grievance involves:

a. Misconduct: Allegations of any misconduct, including but not limited to harassment, discrimination, or abuse of power, committed by a participant, staff member, or volunteer.

b. Breach of Ethical Standards: Violation of Miss America’s Code of Ethics and Conduct, including acts that compromise the integrity of the program or its competitions.

c. Financial Irregularities: Suspected embezzlement, fraud, or financial mismanagement involving program funds.

d. Unfair Practices: Any actions that may give undue advantage to a participant or cause unfair disadvantages to others.

e. Criminal Offenses: Allegations or suspicions of criminal offenses committed by a participant, staff member, or volunteer concerning Miss America activities.

4. Investigation Process:

Upon receipt of a written grievance that meets the benchmarks for internal investigation, the Grievance Officer will initiate a thorough, impartial, and confidential investigation. The process may include interviews with relevant parties, collection of evidence, and consultation with legal counsel if necessary.

5. Confidentiality:

All parties involved in the grievance process, including the complainant, respondent, witnesses, and the Grievance Officer, must maintain strict confidentiality throughout the investigation. Breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action.

6. Resolution and Follow-up:

Upon completion of the investigation, the Grievance Officer will submit a detailed report to the Miss America leadership. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, including disciplinary measures, participant disqualification, or staff/volunteer involvement termination. The Miss America leadership will communicate the resolution to the parties involved. The conclusion and determination of Miss America's leadership concerning this grievance is final.

7. Non-Retaliation:

Miss America strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a grievance in good faith or participates in the investigation process. Any instances of retaliation will be subject to additional disciplinary action.

8. Policy Review:

This Grievance Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Effective Date:

This Grievance Policy is effective as of October 17, 2023, and supersedes any previous grievance policies within the Miss America opportunity.

Acknowledgements:

I have read and understand the entire Grievance Process outlined above and confirm I will maintain the confidentiality of this process. I also understand any public disclosure of my grievance may nullify this review process. *

Check the box to confirm.

I understand if I do not provide factual, detailed, and clearly marked/labeled information clearly supporting any perceived violation or grievance, then this Grievance will not be reviewed by Miss America HQ. For example, if I cite a violation of an agreement, policy, rule, etc. then I must also provide the actual documentation of such. I understand and agree it is not the responsibility of Miss America HQ nor the potential Grievance Committee to investigate and seek additional documentation not provided to confirm my concern. *

Check to confirm

My Grievance submission contains only factual details in the documentation that clearly and concisely supports the areas of my concern. The documentation does not include opinions, implied interpretation, conjecture, hearsay, expressed or implied false claims, etc. It also does not require Miss America HQ nor the potential Grievance Committee to search through myriads of documentation to try to connect the areas of my concern if the supporting documentation is not concise nor clearly marked/labeled. *

Check to confirm

I understand any type of letter-writing campaign regarding my concern will not be entertained, nor considered by Miss America HQ and my solicitation of such could violate confidentiality. Other individuals must file their own separate formal grievance. *

Check to confirm

State where alleged Grievance occurred:

Submitted by:

Petitioner’s Name: *

Petitioners Email: *

Petitioners Cellular: *

Petitioners Physican Address:

Petitioner's Relationship with Organization/Concern *

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