BFM Misconduct Policy

1. Overview

The guiding principle of behavior at the Ben Franklin Mob is to respect each other and our broader community. The BFM is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment that is safe for all members and free from sexual assault, harassment, other problematic behaviors such as bullying, pressure to engage in harmful behaviors, etc. We expect all hashers to respect one another, the bars we visit, the communities we hash in, and the hash community itself. We expect all hashers to obtain explicit and enthusiastic consent from anyone they engage with physically.

As a loosely-governed nonentity run by entirely volunteer MisManagement, the BFM responds to complaints within the community as described below, but does not have any legal or otherwise official capacities. We encourage all hashers to report to MisMan any instances of sexual or other misconduct or other problematic behavior so that we can hold our community accountable to each other, and we support serious complainants in seeking redress through the legal system for any criminal acts.

BFM Misconduct Policy

A. Purpose

We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive community that is free of harassment and personally offensive conduct, including inappropriate sexual conduct. This policy has three purposes: (1) to clarify expected and appropriate behaviors at the BFM; (2) to clarify prohibited behaviors at the BFM, and (3) to describe the BFM’s processes for responding to reports of misconduct.

B. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals participating in BFM H3 trails, events, and/or hash social media or messaging groups, including named hashers, justs, virgins, visitors, and guests.

This policy further covers any allegations of general misconduct, sexual misconduct, and/or otherwise problematic behavior committed by members of the hash community at BFM H3 events, at events organized by other kennels, and serious incidents that occur outside of organized hash events, as long as such incidents have the potential to affect the safety or comfort of the hash community.

C. Limitations

As a volunteer-led unincorporated nonprofit association running club, we do not have the resources of a police department, the authority of the legal system, or even the authority of a formal entity. Therefore, our ability to substantiate allegations and hold respondents accountable is limited. Functionally speaking, the only ‘power’ that MisManagement has is to limit or prohibit a person’s participation in BFM trails, events, and online communities.

Our policy aims to balance the protection of our community with the due process our community members deserve. We recognize that, in cases in which there is insufficient basis to justifiably ban members of our community, the consequences administered may not be commensurate with the seriousness of the alleged offense. More serious consequences are administered in response to substantiated or multiple allegations against an individual.

Furthermore, the BFM is not legally responsible for harassment that occurs within the hash, or for its response to incidents. This policy is meant as a resource for BFM MisManagement when responding to alleged incidents; per Pennsylvania Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act Section 9117 no member of MisManagement shall be held legally liable for their responses or non-responses to allegations. We support complainants in seeking redress through the legal system for criminal acts.

2. BFM H3 Community Guidelines

A. Guidelines for General Conduct

Hashing is an irreverent activity that often challenges social norms, sometimes creating the expectation that everything is up for negotiation. Many things are, but the BFM expects all hashers to:

Put safety first, always. Support all hashers to do what feels safe and fun for them, whether that means bailing on a super shiggy part of trail, not drinking, cheering but not participating in bodypart checks, etc. This extends to expectations for hares to ensure there are safe ways to complete trail and/or opt out of more adventurous shiggy.
Respect Hashers, Muggles, and Communities. Muggles are a part of our communities and deserve respect. Save the adult-ier songs for adult-ier locations, be kind to and tip your hash bartenders, be hashers not trashers, don’t consume outside food/drinks in hash bars.

B. Guidelines for General Sexual Conduct

New hashers are entering an environment with unfamiliar norms that include more alcohol and more overt sexual references than most social groups. This creates a power imbalance in which established hashers understand the sexual boundaries and norms, while newer hashers are still trying to figure these out. Therefore, while an explicit “yes” is important and required, it is not always sufficient for maintaining the kind of safe environment we wish for the hash to be. Here are some general guidelines for consent in the hash:

Be aware of power dynamics (e.g. named hasher/just; established/newer in the BFM; older/younger; male/female; higher/lower socioeconomic status). When interacting across a power dynamic, be more purposeful about consent and aware of factors that may affect consent.
Be cautious about propositioning newer hashers for dates or sexual encounters. It can feel misleading if an established hasher is welcoming and helpful on trail and then asks the newer hasher on a date; we want to be friendly because we’re friendly, not because we expect anything. Newer hashers may not feel comfortable saying no to someone who has been welcoming and helpful to them during trail, and may also worry about their status in the group if they reject an established hasher. Furthermore, people often come to the hash to make friends and join a community, and invitations to group social events rather than private ones are more conducive to this.
Recognize that consent may be given to one individual but not another. Consent given to one person – whether explicitly stated or implicit in an existing relationship – does not constitute consent for anyone else.
Seek explicit consent before making physical contact with anyone with whom you don’t have a physical relationship with outside the hash. Do not assume that you have consent to slap someone’s ass, pick someone up, hold someone’s arm, etc, even if others have consent to do so.
Show respect at body part checks. Respect people’s decision to show body parts or not, and cheer enthusiastically if body parts are shown. Don’t offer specific commentary or make any comments that could be construed as critical.
Consider the level of intoxication of anyone from whom you are seeking consent. If someone who is drunk says “yes” to something to which they previously said “no,” that may not be consent. Discuss consent before you are intoxicated or wait until everyone is sober enough to consent. The use of alcohol or drugs does not justify or excuse behavior that violates this policy and never makes someone at fault for being victimized.
Recognize that consent can be revoked at any time for any reason. “No” always means “no,” even if it was “yes” five minutes ago and even if you have a previous physical relationship with a person and had consent to engage in an activity the last time you saw them.
Ask questions to clarify whether consent is enthusiastic, especially in situations where another person might consent due to power dynamics or intoxication. In addition to basic consent questions (“Can I kiss you?”) ask what the other person wants or likes (“Do you like holding hands?” “How were you hoping tonight would end up?”)
Ensure you’re obtaining specific enthusiastic consent for different activities. Silence or the absence of resistance is not the same as consent. Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity.

C. Bystander Responsibilities

Check in with your friends – and all hashers are your friends. If you see a hasher making a decision you don’t think their sober selves would support, offer a quick check-in.
Call out problematic behavior when you see it / Check your friends – and all hashers are your friends. If people don’t know their behavior is a problem, they won’t change it. If it looks like they’re making someone uncomfortable, check in with that person to see if it’s ok to mention it, and then check in. If you’re concerned about a pattern of behavior, point it out. If their attempts at flirting look creepy to you, let them know. Let’s stop problems before they happen. If you’re uncomfortable calling someone out directly, recruit a friend or a member of MisMan to support.
Intervene if you’re concerned. Check in with the people involved, interject yourself into the situation and change the subject, or engage either person involved in a different conversation or task. Delegate the intervention to friends of the people involved if you don’t feel comfortable intervening yourself.
Report your concerns to a GM or RA. It is helpful for the hash to have concrete and specific information about problematic behavior so that we can address it.

3. Prohibited Behaviors

A. Generally Prohibited Behaviors

Any behavior that detracts from others’ comfort, safety, or enjoyment of the hash is unacceptable hash behavior. Examples of unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Theft: This includes theft of property belonging to individual hashers, to the BFM, or to venues hosting the hash.
Violence: This includes violence perpetrated against other hashers or at hash events, including against bartenders, bouncers, other bar patrons, etc.
Intentional Destruction of Property: This includes property belonging to individual hashers, to the BFM, or to venues hosting the hash.
Harassment: Harassment includes persistent unwanted attention, intimidation or threats, unwanted phone calls or texts, posting information about a person without their consent, and stalking.
Excessive Disruption of Muggle Spaces: This includes yelling or singing in family restaurants, inappropriate songs in the presence of children, etc. While the hash is inevitably somewhat disruptive to the muggles we run past, we strive to be amusingly disruptive, not obnoxious.
Non-consensual Photography: Any photographs taken on trail should be announced in advance to give hashers the opportunity to opt in or out of the photograph. If someone in a photograph requests for a photograph to be taken down from any platform where it was posted, the individual who posted it must comply with their request.
Other Violations of Consent: “No” always means “no,” regardless of whether sex is involved.
Use of offensive language such as racial slurs, homophobic language, etc: While many hash songs and jokes push norms, it is never acceptable to use or repeat hate speech.

B. Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is any behavior of a sexual nature for which consent is not freely given regardless of sexual orientation or gender. Examples of behaviors which constitute sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to:

Any touching, whether overtly sexual or not, without explicit consent
Pressuring others to show body parts on trail
Repeated unwelcome sexual advances or repeated unwelcome requests for sexual favors
Repeated unwelcome sexual comments, jokes, or songs directed at an individual
Taking or sharing photos of a sexual nature without explicit consent
Any sexual behavior that interferes with another hasher’s enjoyment of or comfort at the hash
Sexual assault or rape

4. Reporting & Documentation

We encourage hashers to report any instances of general misconduct, sexual misconduct, or otherwise problematic behavior, no matter how minor, to a GM or an RA. Being informed about misconduct allows hash leadership to identify and address it. A prior documented pattern of problematic behavior is also informative when a more serious allegation is made against someone.

A. Reporting

Hashers may report incidents or concerns, major or minor, to any of the following individuals:

BFM GMs (2025: 60K9)
BFM RAs (2024: EBS, Bananass, Cockstradamus, Cunterfeit Bills)

In addition, we encourage hashers who are complainants of criminal activities, including rape or sexual assault to seek assistance outside the hash. WOAR (https://www.woar.org/), the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, has a 24-hour crisis line (215-985-3333), which provides crisis support, information, referral guidance, and coordinates counseling services. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).

B. Internal Processes & Documentation

The BFM documents all alleged incidents of general and/or sexual misconduct, including the names of claimants (if they have given permission), respondents, and actions taken in response. Documentation of alleged incidents, regardless of whether they could be substantiated, is important for identifying repeat offenders and harmful patterns of behavior.

The current BFM GM has access to these records. All information will be included in or linked directly to a central spreadsheet. In the interest of maintaining a safe environment, information contained in these records may be shared with members of the Philadelphia Hash community, as well as with GMs of other kennels (e.g., local kennels, the Banned H3 resource), at the discretion of the GM.

In the case of an allegation against a GM, an RA will be asked to fill in for that specific process and that individual will not be involved. A separate file will be created to which the respondent does not have access.

Allegations of sexual assault, as well as incidents that resulted in probation, suspension, or a ban, remain permanently documented. Less serious allegations can be removed after a period of 3 years if there were no additional allegations against that individual and if the GM and RAs unanimously agree that the hasher is not a risk to the community and that the information is no longer relevant.

5. Procedures for Responding to Unacceptable Behaviors

The following are potential responses to alleged offenses. Each has a suggested use, but the GMs will determine the appropriate course of action depending on level of severity and relevant factors in order to keep the hash community safe. Relevant factors include but are not limited to: (1) facts and circumstances surrounding the event at issue, (2) the nature of the prohibited conduct at issue (3) state of mind (intentional, knowing, bias-motivated, reckless, negligent, etc.); (4) the impact of the offense on the complainant; (5) the respondent’s prior disciplinary history; (6) any other mitigating or aggravating factors specific to the case.

Generally speaking minor offenses are those that go against our community guidelines but would not be considered criminal; they do not rise to the level of assault/sexual assault. In these cases GMs will simply make a decision regarding the appropriate response.

Major offenses are egregious and/or blatant violations of our community guidelines (eg., verbal and/or physical assault). Major offenses also include sexual misconduct including sexual assault or rape. The BFM takes all such allegations seriously. In the case of major offenses there are three parts to our response process: an immediate response, formal review and documentation, and a final action plan.

A. Immediate Response

When an allegation of an offense, including sexual assault, is reported to the hash, it may take time for us to gather information and make a decision about the appropriate course of action. In more clear-cut cases this process may be very short, allowing more long-term actions to be implemented quickly.

While a review is ongoing, the respondent will be placed on temporary probation, meaning that their behavior will be monitored by GMs and RAs. Other restrictions may also be applied, such as limited alcohol consumption or instructions not to interact with the complainant (at the complainant’s request). GMs may also suggest or mandate that a respondent step away from the hash until the formal review is complete.

There are also several measures that we can take immediately to support complainants. When a hasher reports a major offense, including sexual assault, we will immediately do any of the following if requested:

Listen without judgment
Maintain confidentiality
Provide a trusted “buddy” to stay with the complainant during the next trail or hash event (with input from the complainant on the selection of the buddy)
Instruct the respondent not to interact with the complainant while the formal review is ongoing
Provide new crash space for the complainant, if relevant
Remove the respondent from crash space or a social event in the complainant’s home, if relevant
Refund rego for upcoming events if the complainant opts not to attend
Explain the hash’s procedures for investigating the allegation
Provide information about local support resources

B. Formal Review

When we receive information alleging or suggesting that a hasher has perpetrated an offense, a GM or RA will immediately document the information. If a serious allegation was made or more information is needed, a GM or RA will:

Gather and record information from the hasher making the allegation
Ask what outcome is desired by the complainant or individual(s) reporting the incident
Ask whether the complainant or individual(s) reporting the incident wish for the hash to undertake further review; discuss to what extent confidentiality can be maintained while doing so. Maintaining the highest possible degree of confidentiality is always the goal, but the degree to which this is possible will depend on the circumstances of the complaint.
Gather and document additional information as necessary, including speaking with the respondent and/or witnesses
Determine, implement, and document appropriate action steps
Follow up with complainant or individual(s) reporting the incident

Both parties are free to provide witnesses and evidence if they chose to do so, but MisMan (and not the parties), has the burden of proof and burden of gathering evidence. Any party may decide not to share their account of what occurred or may decide not to participate in the formal review, though this may impact which responses are available to MisMan. MisMan also has discretion not to interview a witness if they determine the witness does not possess relevant information.

“Relevant” evidence and questions refer to any questions and evidence that tend to make an allegation more or less likely to be true. It does not include the irrelevant information, including information about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior (unless they are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent commit ted the conduct alleged by the Complainant).

C. Action Plan: Responses to respondents

As noted in the Limitations section at the beginning of this policy, we recognize that we have limited ability to prove various types of allegations, including sexual assault which is often most sensitive and often has few or no witnesses. A determination that an allegation could not be substantiated does not mean that we do not believe the complainant. It simply means that we do not have the evidence we feel we need to justify suspending or banning someone from our community. However, we still have a lower bar for substantiation than the legal system. We will suspend or ban hashers if we have sufficient reason to believe their presence makes the hash less safe.

D. Potential Sanctions Against Respondents

Documentation: Documentation may be the sole action taken if the individual reporting the allegation does not wish for further action to be taken, the allegation is a minor offense, and/or if the respondent’s behavior does not put other hashers at risk.
Reparations/Reimbursements: For theft and physical assault, the respondent may be required to provide financial reimbursement (medical bills/property damage) before being able to return to BFM.
Informal warning: An informal warning may be issued in response to a first minor offense.
Written warning: A written warning may be used when a behavior continues after an informal warning has been issued. A written warning explains that any subsequent offenses will lead to probation. A written warning may also be issued when an individual does not accept the informal warning, argues with the hash representative issuing the warning, or does not agree to change their behavior going forward.
Probationary period of 1 to 3 months: A probationary period of 1 to 3 months may be used when a behavior continues after a written warning and/or for a serious but unsubstantiated allegation. During this period, the hasher will be allowed to attend the hash with restrictions designed to mitigate their specific problematic behavior (e.g. reduce alcohol consumption, not take photographs, skip body part checks, avoid a certain hasher, step down from a leadership position, etc.) and/or to maintain a sense of safety in the hash and to protect the complainant specifically. The most common restriction would be to avoid interacting with the complainant, with additional restrictions considered when relevant and appropriate. Respondents on MisManagement may also be asked to step down from leadership positions. Hashers returning after a voluntary leave of absence, suspension, or ban will also be placed on a 3-month probation.
Voluntary Leave of Absence: For a serious but unsubstantiated allegation, the GMs may recommend that a respondent take a leave of absence for a period of 1-3 months. Where there is ambiguity or disagreement in accounts between the complainant and the respondent, it may benefit both parties and the hash as a whole for the respondent to take a break from the hash. In these cases, we would ask the respondent to recognize that time and space apart could benefit all parties involved.
Suspension: Hashers may be suspended from BFM hashes, events, and hash social media channels. Suspensions can last from 1 week to 1 year and will be administered according to the GMs’ discretion. Suspensions are used when problematic behavior continues despite multiple warnings and/or probation, or when an allegation of a major offense, including sexual assault or rape, has been substantiated based on a formal review.
Ban: A hasher may be banned indefinitely from the BFM, with no expectation of said status being revoked. Bans are generally used under the following circumstances:
1. A hasher repeats their problematic behavior despite multiple warnings and other interventions
2. 1 substantiated allegation of sexual assault (Note that a suspension is also an option.)
3. 1 allegation of sexual assault in combination with a documented pattern of sexual misconduct (e.g. previous or subsequent minor offenses)
4. 2 or more independent serious allegations of sexual assault, regardless of whether these allegations could be substantiated with evidence
5. Banning by another hash kennel with reasonable justification provided by that kennel

E. Action Plan: Ongoing Accommodations for complainants

As noted previously, we are limited in our ability to substantiate sexual assault allegations. Therefore, not all serious allegations will result in the removal of the respondent from the hash. When this is the case, MisManagement will work with the complainant to determine and provide reasonable accommodations to help them feel safe within the hash. Accommodations will be implemented for a set amount of time and reassessed on an ongoing basis by MisManagement in collaboration with the complainant. Based on the situation and at the complainant’s request, we may provide the following accommodations:

Provide a trusted “buddy” during trails or events
Instruct the respondent not to interact with the complainant
Coordinate with the complainant and respondent to create a schedule whereby they will not attend the same trails
Support a complainant’s decision to step down from MisManagement duties
Support a complainant’s decision to pursue legal action (e.g., to file a restraining order against the respondent)
Help the complainant to enforce an existing restraining order

F. Ending a Probation, Suspension, or Ban

Hashers finishing a probationary period are required to meet in person with a GM or RA before being released from the terms of their probation.

Hashers returning after a suspension due to a sexual assault allegation are required to meet in person with a GM. Before returning to the hash, the respondent must show an understanding of the inappropriateness of their behavior and a commitment to change.

Hashers who have been indefinitely banned from the BFM may submit a written appeal to have the ban revoked after a period of 3 years. When the current GMs receive such an appeal, they will make a reasonable effort to consult with the GMs and who initially issued the ban. A unanimous decision by the current GMs is required to revoke an indefinite ban. This decision should be based on the banned hasher showing significant growth, an understanding of the inappropriateness of their behavior, a commitment to change, and a demonstrable change in their behavior.

Hashers returning after a suspension or ban will be placed on probationary status for 3 months.

6. General Rights of Complainants and Respondents

Claimants and Respondents will not be barred from discussing with others the allegations under investigation, although it is recommended they not do so in a public forum such as on social media.

Claimants have the right to ask for the review to be stopped at any point unless MisMan feels it is in the hash community’s best interest to continue to maintain safety, or if the complaint involves child abuse.

Claimants have the right to ask evidence supporting their claims be deleted or removed from MisMan’s possession at any point, unless MisMan feels it is in the hash community’s best interest to continue to maintain safety, or if the complaint involves child abuse.

Both parties have a right to support persons during the investigation and when communicating with MisMan regarding the review.

To be treated with dignity by all persons involved in resolution processes under this Policy

To a reasonably prompt and thorough review of the allegations..

To equal access to information and resources such as a support person during the investigation.

To an equal opportunity to present witnesses, and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, (i.e. evidence that tends to prove and disprove the allegations).

To information about this Policy.

To be free from intimidation, harassment, bullying, or any other form of retaliation throughout the resolution process.

To have reasonable steps taken to prevent any unnecessary or unwanted in-person contact with the other Party(ies) during the investigation.

To report the incident to law enforcement at any time.

7. Policy Development and Review

This policy was adapted from the Boston Hash’s policy, which was adapted from model guidelines published by www.workplacesrespond.org and recommended by BARCC. The BFM GM(s) will work with the BFM community to assess and improve this policy on an ongoing basis. All members of MisMan are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this policy.