Code of conduct

The organizers are committed to making this meeting productive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, race, nationality or religion. Our events can serve as an effective forum to consider and debate science-relevant viewpoints in an orderly, respectful, and fair manner.

This Code of Conduct is important to promoting diversity and creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all individuals. All event participants - including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, members of the media, and service providers are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct.

• Treat all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions (including those you may not share).
• Communicate openly, with respect for other participants, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
• Behave professionally. Harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes are not appropriate.
• All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert our staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
• Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue.

Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. Harassment includes speech or behavior that is not welcome or is personally offensive. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so use discretion to be certain respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior. Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or exclusionary behavior
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Unwanted sexual attention
• Use of sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces or in presentations
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events
• Harassing photography or recording
• Real or implied threat of physical or mental harm
• Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm

Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior is a violation of the Code of Conduct. Falsely reporting unacceptable behavior is a violation of the Code of Conduct.

Participants asked to stop any inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately. Attendees violating these rules may be asked to leave the event at the sole discretion of the organizers without a refund of any charge.

Any participant who wishes to report a violation of this policy is asked to speak, in confidence, to a member of the Organizing Committee.

Thank you for helping to make our events welcoming for all.