New Code Of Conduct Adopted By McLean Community Center's Board

MCLEAN, VA — In an effort to ensure the public feels safe and welcome, the McLean Community Center’s governing board has adopted its first-ever code of conduct for people visiting and using the center's facilities.

The new MCC Code of Conduct, adopted by the governing board on March 22, outlines unacceptable behavior and makes sure the public knows that community center staff can take action at their sole discretion against people who violate the Code of Conduct.

The MCC governing board and staff decided to put in writing the already embraced standards of behavior expected of people using the facilities, according to MCC Executive Director Betsy May-Salazar.

"The Code of Conduct document, which will be displayed prominently in our facilities, makes clear to everyone who reads it the protocols in place to deal with possible negative behaviors should they occur," May-Salazar said in a statement emailed to Patch. "MCC Board and staff members are always seeking to improve communications with MCC patrons."

Among the unacceptable actions listed in the Code of Conduct are disruptive or unsafe behavior; harassing, threatening, or intimidating language or behavior, including displaying an object or weapon that may be harmful or threatening; inappropriate use of restrooms and other facilities for anything other than their intended purpose; and damaging or removing materials or property, or rearranging furniture without permission.

According to the new MCC Code of Conduct, a person or group that fails to observe the new rules may be asked to leave and could have future access to the community center limited or suspended.

“We want everyone to feel safe and welcome, and expect all visitors to be respectful of our neighbors, staff, and facilities while using our community center spaces, programs, and services,” the MCC Code of Conduct states.

The MCC said it works in partnership with the Fairfax County Police Department to keep its visitors, staff, and facilities safe.

The MCC, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean, is a special agency of Fairfax County government. An 11-member governing board, elected by citizens of the McLean area, oversees the community center.

Other facilities operated directly by Fairfax County have had codes of conduct in place for years. The Fairfax County Park Authority enacted rules of conduct for its facilities when they first opened. Many of the rules at the county's rec centers, for example, are required by certain statutes associated with the equipment inside the facilities.

At the county's senior centers, operated by Fairfax County's Neighborhood and Community Services, staff and visitors are expected to follow a code of conduct, including engaging with others respectfully in an environment free from harassment, intimidation and assault.

The MCC's governing board and staff members created the Code of Conduct independent of any actions taken by other county agencies, May-Salazar said.

Other unacceptable behaviors included in the MCC Code of Conduct are using internet access in violation of Virginia law; consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages, unless at authorized events, or using or possessing illegal drugs on the premises; leaving bags or packages unattended; using tobacco products inside the building, including smoking or vaping; and selling goods or services, or distributing materials, including campaign or lobbying materials.

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