Published: November 13, 2026
Cotton Branch Refuge Project is a progressive organization committed to compassion, equity, and belonging. A refuge for animals should also be a place where people are treated with dignity. We welcome LGBTQ+ people, affirm transgender and nonbinary identities, support racial equity, and work to reduce barriers for disabled people and others who have been excluded.
Who this covers
This policy guides employment, board service, volunteering, applications, adoption and placement decisions, visits, fundraising, partnerships, and programs. It applies to directors, staff, volunteers, contractors, and people representing Cotton Branch, including online activities connected with our work.
We do not tolerate discrimination or demeaning treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion or nonreligion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, neurodivergence, family or relationship status, socioeconomic background, veteran status, or another characteristic unrelated to legitimate participation requirements. These are our organizational standards, including where a particular legal protection or employer-size threshold does not apply.
Respect in everyday practice
- Use people's stated names and pronouns. Correct mistakes with care; intentional, repeated misgendering or deadnaming can violate our conduct policies.
- Respect privacy. Do not disclose someone's gender history, sexual orientation, disability, immigration circumstances, or personal story without permission or a legitimate legal need.
- Challenge racist, sexist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, and other degrading conduct. Good-faith questions and learning are welcome; harassment is not.
- Make room for different experiences and communication needs without asking anyone to speak for an entire community.
Fair participation and decisions
Selection and eligibility criteria must relate to the actual role, safety, resident welfare, available resources, and ability to meet the relevant responsibilities. Decisions should use consistent, explainable criteria and consider reasonable adjustments. Adoption decisions remain centered on an animal's needs and the suitability of a home; identities and stereotypes are not substitutes for assessing those needs.
We will review outreach, application language, costs, scheduling, and other practical barriers as resources and opportunities develop. We do not promise admission, employment, placement, or access to every area merely because someone applies.
Accessibility and accommodations
Contact info@cottonbranch.org to discuss an accommodation, accessible communication, or a barrier on our website. Share what would help; you do not need to include a diagnosis in an initial email. We consider requests individually, discuss feasible options, and explain a decision or alternative.
Cotton Branch is a working animal refuge with uneven ground, weather exposure, and animal-care restrictions. Ask about conditions before visiting so we can plan together. We assess requests involving assistance animals individually under applicable law while protecting residents and people; do not bring an animal without discussing the visit in advance. We do not claim that every physical space is fully accessible.
Accountability
Leaders are responsible for explaining these expectations, considering accommodations, and responding to concerns. We address barriers and misconduct through proportionate corrective action and review this policy as our work changes.
For discrimination or retaliation, use our Harassment, Discrimination & Anti-Retaliation Policy and independent reporting options. Raising an access or inclusion concern must not result in retaliation.