HSC POLICIES & RELEASE OF LIABILITY 

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Harassment and bullying of children, youth, or adults are not tolerated by HSC. The HSC board is committed to providing a safe environment in which all members of the HSC community are treated with dignity and respect. HSC is a fully inclusive organization, welcoming homeschoolers of all races, religions, sexual orientation, gender identities, and abilities.

HSC policy prohibits sexual harassment, bullying, or any other victimization.

This policy is in effect when the misconduct takes place at HSC events, is contained in communications related to HSC events or an individual's participation in such events, or when the misconduct directly affects the welfare of those in attendance at HSC events.

Harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of conduct toward another person which may include, but is not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

• Verbal, nonverbal, physical or written harassment, bullying, hazing, or other victimization that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;

• Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim.

• Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim; and/or

• Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an uncomfortable, intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed are encouraged to report the incident(s) to HSC. If possible, also write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give a copy to HSC
 

Include in the report as much as possible of the following information:

• what, when and where it happened;
• who was involved;
• exactly what was said or what the harasser did;
• witnesses to the harassment;
• what the victim said or did, either at the time or later;
• how the victim felt; and
• how the harasser responded.

Upon receipt of a report of harassment or bullying, HSC will request and examine evidence and conduct interviews as necessary. All information will be kept strictly confidential to the maximum extent possible by HSC and by all persons participating in HSC events.

If, after an investigation, a child, youth, or adult is found to be in violation of this policy, that person may be given a warning, be asked to leave an event, or not be allowed to attend HSC events, depending on the severity of the misconduct, whether it is ongoing or has been repeated, and the response of the individual.

I agree to abide by the above-stated policies and to ensure that minors in my care do so.

EVENT RELEASE OF LIABILITY

Homeschool Association of California

Family Event Release, Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement

You must read and agree to this Release of Liability Form before registering for the event. If this form is not completed, your registration will be canceled.

In consideration of being permitted to attend Homeschool Association of California Events (“HSC Events”), and on behalf of myself and my minor children as well as any minor children attending with me and identified below (collectively “Participants”), I hereby:

1. Agree to indemnify and save and hold the Homeschool Association of California, their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents (collectively "HSC") harmless from any liability, loss, damage or cost that may occur or be incurred due to the Participants' participation in HSC Events;

2. Release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue HSC from all liability to Participants for any loss or damages, and any claim or demands on account of injury to or resulting in the death of Participants, whether caused by the negligence of HSC or of any other person;

3. Assume full responsibility for and risk of bodily injury or death, whether due to the negligence of the HSC or otherwise. I expressly acknowledge and understand that accidents and injuries may occur while at HSC Events and expressly assume all of the risks due to the negligence of HSC and any others participating or contributing to HSC Events;

4. Expressly agree, permit and assume the risk of any medical treatment which may be rendered and agree to expressly release and indemnify HSC from any liability for providing, or failing to provide, any emergency medical treatment;

5. I understand that I am solely responsible for the welfare and safety of myself and my minor children or any minor children accompanying me to HSC Events, and I agree to supervise my minor children or any minor children accompanying me to HSC events, and that HSC shall have no obligation to supervise Participants or any other individuals attending HSC Events. I further understand that HSC will not provide insurance for Participants at HSC Events and that Participants' personal insurance will apply;

6. I agree to help encourage a safe and respectful atmosphere at HSC Events by discussing with my family the responsibilities of being in a group that consists of a variety of ages -- young children, teens, and adults. I agree to refrain from engaging in illegal activities of any kind, and I understand that I am solely responsible for the activities of myself and my minor children and any minor children accompanying me to HSC Events;

7. I understand that Participants often take photos during HSC Events and I agree that these photos may be used on HSC's website, on related websites, and in HSC publications. I further expressly agree that the foregoing release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California, and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

I have read, fully understood its content and voluntarily sign this release, waiver, and indemnity agreement. I further agree that no oral representations, statements, or inducement apart from the foregoing written agreement have been made.

EXTRA KIDS POLICY & RESPONSIBILITY OF NON-FAMILY MINOR ATTENDEES AT HSC EVENTS

HSC events are more fun with friends! It's not uncommon for HSC members to bring relatives and friends to HSC events. Here are our guidelines for minor guests. 

If you bring an extra child or teen, it is very important to understand your responsibilities.
 

• Every child or teen must be staying with a registered responsible adult at least 25 years old.
• You will be asked to sign a statement saying you are the “registered responsible adult” for each extra child/teen.
• If you sign this statement, you are agreeing that any child or teen who is with you is entirely your responsibility.
• You should know the extra children/teens and their parents well.
• Any child you take responsibility for should be staying with you at the event (in your hotel room at conference, for example), and you are responsible for supervising them.
• You are legally responsible for any non-family child/teen accompanying you and must have a medical release form from their parent. 
• We do NOT allow children or teens at events unless they are being supervised and cared for by a registered adult (at least 25 years old) who has invited them to stay with them and will take full responsibility for that child or teen’s safety, welfare, and behavior.

VIRTUAL EVENT & CONFERENCE BEHAVIOR POLICIES 

Explicit language can be expected here, but hateful, vile, divisive, threatening or bullying words or behavior will not be tolerated. 

No uploading of sexualized or violent material.

No harassment on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, disability or any other basis. 

For virtual events, ONLY registered participants will receive the code in their email. No sharing access codes.

Any behavior that goes against this policy may result in the participant’s access to the conference being revoked.

Please keep in mind:
• Have fun!
• Be welcoming and inclusive
• Bring openness, creativity, and flexibility
• Deeply listen to each other’s stories
• Be fully present with your heart and your head
• Bring confidence and humility
• Let all voices be heard – take space / make space
• Support one another in love, respect, and care
• Confidentiality: share your reactions, not others’ stories
• Honor different cultures, styles, paces, and needs
• Remember that intent and impact are not the same thing
• Get curious, not furious…when times get rough, turn to wonder

Points compiled by Dr. Jonipher Kwong



PARENTAL WAIVER FOR VIRTUAL EVENTS & CONFERENCE 

I understand that if my youth is 13 or over, I am giving them permission to participate in any virtual HSC event activity that they may access through their own social media or other online accounts.

I understand that virtual workshops that my teen participates in will be closed and will only allow registered members to participate.

Parents/Guardians remain responsible for the physical safety of their teen throughout the event.

Consent for Minors. I am the legal custodial parent or legal guardian of the registered minor, and I hereby authorize and permit my teen to participate in the HSC virtual event and in all activities, events, and programs that are part of or are associated with the conference. I have read, understand, and agree to all of the above participation agreements and waivers.

I understand that if my youth does not participate safely, breaks the above policies, or breaks the agreement in ways that create an unsafe space they may be removed from the virtual event.

I give permission for my youth to participate in the HSC virtual conference.

HSC CONFERENCE POLICIES AND INFORMATION 

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• Pets: As of March 2023 pets (maximum weight 50lbs) are allowed at the Doubletree hotel, but are not permitted to stay alone in hotel rooms. There is an additional fee for pets, please check with the hotel. Trained Service animals are welcome to support our disabled attendees. If your animal has a history of aggression or other behavioral issues please make other arrangements for the care of your animal during conference. HSC reserves the right to refuse entry to pets for any reason.

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• Badges: Conference badges can be picked up at the Registration Desk, in the Bayshore Foyer during the following hours:
• Thursday 3pm to 8:00 pm
• Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Sunday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Badges tell us you are registered for conference. Please wear your badge to all conference events and activities.

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• Conference Photos: Our Conference Photographer will be taking photos throughout the conference. Links and passwords to view photos and purchase prints will be made available to registered attendees.​

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• Conference Publicity:  Video and audio recording, as well as still photography of conference activities, may take place. HSC reserves the right to use any photographs or other graphics produced at this event in its electronic, video, and print publications and for promotion of HSC or homeschooling. If you wish to exclude yourself and/or your children from these forms of publicity, please inform the cameraperson, recorder, or photographer. There is no video or audio recording of speakers allowed without specific written permission of HSC.

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• Curfew: HSC recognizes and respects that not all hotel guests are attending our conference. We request that all attendees honor a 1:00 a.m. curfew.

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• Parental Supervision: All children under the age of 14 must have a parent or caregiver immediately available to them at the hotel. HSC and the conference staff take no responsibility for childcare. Please see “Family Safety and Happiness” for more information.

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• Shoes: For safety reasons, the hotel requests that shoes are worn within public areas (except in the pool area). Shirts are also required!

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• Pool: Please adhere to all hotel rules while at the pool. There are NO LIFEGUARDS. Please pay attention to your children while in the pool area! Bathing suits are not permitted in the main lobby. 

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• Elevator Banks and Sleeping Room Floors:  Hotel security maintains a quiet zone that includes the elevator banks and hallways on the sleeping room floors beginning at 9pm. Please socialize in the public areas (including conference space), pool area, lobby and courtyards after 9 pm to respect those trying to rest. 
• For Safety: Please do not allow children to play in the elevators. 

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• Skateboards, Bikes, Scooters: The hotel does not allow skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or scooters on its grounds.

• Refunds:  No refunds of registration or other fees will be made. To request a registration transfer, please complete the transfer form on the Registration page of this website.

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Family Safety and Happiness 

This is a whole family conference. We want everyone to have a good time and be safe. Remember we may be using most of the hotel rooms and meeting spaces, but the hotel has other guests too. Here are some tips to ensure that your family will be safe and happy.

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• All attendees must wear conference badges. No-one is allowed in conference areas without a badge. 
   
• Write your cell phone number (with area code) on the back of your children's badges so that we can reunite children with parents. The Conference Registration Desk is our designated family reunion point. 

• Young children should have a responsible adult supervising them at all times. ​

• If your child is an independent preteen who can handle being at workshops on their own, great! You still MUST be somewhere at the hotel where you can be reached.

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• Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible registered conference attendee over 25. That adult cannot leave the hotel without making arrangements for another adult to be responsible for the child. 

• We do ask that parents of teens help honor our 1 a.m. curfew for their safety and as a courtesy of everyone at the hotel. 

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• Please do not bring outside food into any of our meeting areas. You MAY bring items purchased at the hotel to those areas. (For example, bringing your coffee or a sandwich from the Espresso Bar is okay, bringing a Costco pizza or a cooler, is not.)

ALSO:

• Never leave children alone in hotel rooms.

• Do not let children swing from the railings, play in elevators or run down the halls.

• As per hotel policy and health code regulations, all family members must wear shoes in public areas (except in the pool).

• All children 14 and under must have adult supervision at the pool.

• Skateboards, rollerblades, skates, bikes, and scooters are not allowed in the hotel.

HSC CONFERENCE
INFECTIOUS DISEASE POLICY

You must read and agree to this policy before registering for the event. By purchasing tickets for yourself, other adults in your party, and minor children in your care (collectively known as "Participants"), you attest that you agree to abide by all terms set forth in this policy. It is the responsibility of the ticket purchaser to make sure that all Participants in their party understand this policy.

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1. HSC is obligated to comply with all public health regulations that are in place at the time of the conference.

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2. It is possible that by the time of our conference, state guidelines will have shifted and be either more or less restrictive than at the time you registered. All registrations are non-refundable.

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3. As of March, 2024, there are no social distancing or mask requirements in affect. If this changes, HSC will email updates to participants regarding any and all requirements.

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4. All participants are expected to abide by all aspects of this policy and the Code of Conduct, including treating all volunteers, staff, participants, and hotel staff with respect.

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5. HSC's Infectious Disease Policy is a living document and subject to change. Please visit HSC's website for the most up to date information about our infectious disease protocols.