Code of Conduct

The Astrobiology Graduate Conference is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in its conferences and other events.  The Astrobiology Graduate Conference prohibits and will not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination. Our goal is to host conferences and other events that are as inclusive as possible for our attendees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation/identity, race/ethnicity, religion, employment status, or status in the field.  Accordingly, we believe that it is important for the Astrobiology Graduate Conference to support the free expression and exchange of ideas in environments that are positive and productive for all.

Purpose

The Astrobiology Graduate Conference has established this Conference Code of Conduct (the “Code”) to serve as a guideline for the professional conduct of anyone attending or participating in an Astrobiology Graduate Conference sponsored conference or event and to inform attendees of the consequences for unacceptable behavior. We expect all attendees at Astrobiology Graduate Conference events to follow this Code so that all participants can enjoy the conference or event responsibly and with respect for the rights of others. Failure to abide by this Code is subject to corrective action and sanctions, including refused admission, ejection, banishment, and other penalties consistent with this Code.

Scope and Applicability

The Code applies to all attendees, media representatives, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, staff, contractors, volunteers, organizers, and other guests (collectively referred to as “Participants”) at Astrobiology Graduate Conference programs, conferences, events, meetings, social gatherings, and other activities held, sponsored, or affiliated with Astrobiology Graduate Conference. Your attendance at any of these events will be deemed to be your agreement to abide by this Conference Code of Conduct.

Expected Behavior

The following behaviors are expected and requested of all Astrobiology Graduate Conference or event Participants:

·       Behaving in a courteous and professional manner

·       Treating all participants with respect, dignity, and consideration, in the spirit of valuing a diversity of views and opinions

·       Being considerate, respectful, and collaborative in your communication and actions

·       Discussing differences and critiquing ideas in a non-confrontational manner with due regard for the viewpoints of others

·       Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech

·       Reporting suspected inappropriate behaviors directed at yourself or others

·       Respecting the rules, policies, and property of Astrobiology Graduate Conference and its facilities and vendors

·       Complying with all applicable laws and regulations

Prohibited Behavior

Violations of this Code include but are not limited to the following:

·       Harassment - defined for purposes of this Code to include unwelcome or offensive verbal, visual, or physical contact directed at any Participant, including conduct, comments, or images that a person would reasonably find offensive, demeaning, or hostile

·       Sexual harassment - defined for purposes of this Code to include unwelcome, unsolicited, and unreciprocated sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature that has or that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to offend, humiliate, or intimidate another person

·       Exhibiting behavior that is unruly or disruptive, or that endangers the health or safety of yourself or others

·       Discriminatory conduct based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital status, veteran status, political affinity, or any other characteristic protected by law

·       Deliberate intimidation, threatening, stalking, or following

·       Sustained disruption of portions of the conference or event

·       Invasion of privacy

·       Actual or threatened pushing, shoving, or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person

·       Possession or use of a weapon or any other item in a way that may cause danger to others

·       Destruction, theft, dismantlement, defacement, abuse, or intentional misuse of any Astrobiology Graduate Conference or-contracted       venues, property, equipment, signage, or supplies

·       Failure to comply with directions of Astrobiology Graduate Conference staff or venue personnel regarding operations or emergency response procedures

·       Retaliation against participants for reporting activity that they reasonably believed to be in violation of this Code

·       Knowingly and falsely reporting violations of this Code in bad faith

·       Accessing restricted or ticketed areas without a proper ticket, pass and/or credential; misusing tickets, passes and/or credentials; presenting a false identification; or permitting another person to falsely present the Participant’s identification as their own.

This Code is not intended to be all inclusive, and it is likely there will be conduct and/or issues that it does not specifically address. In that event, as in all others, Participants are expected to follow the direction of Astrobiology Graduate Conference staff who will take appropriate action to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Participants.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

To report a violation of this Code, please contact abgradcon@gmail.com or speak to one of the conference organizers. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if you see something suspicious or would like to report a security issue or emergency, please contact local law enforcement at 911.

Reported violations of this Code are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated by Astrobiology Graduate Conference lead organizers with discretion. Participants are required to maintain the confidentiality of materials submitted to or received by you in connection with any reported violation. Although Astrobiology Graduate Conference will make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of its investigation and any relevant materials, it cannot assure confidentiality as it may disclose case-related materials or information in response to legal process, when already publicly known, or when leadership otherwise determines disclosure is in the best interests of if you believe you are being subjected to inappropriate conduct, believe someone else is being subjected to inappropriate conduct, or have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Astrobiology Graduate Conference at abgradcon@gmail.com.