Code of Conduct

USWBSI Code of Conduct

The USWBSI promotes an environment that is inclusive of all people, recognizing their unique abilities, strengths and differences and is committed to providing a safe and productive working environment for all. The USWBSI outlines the following expectations for the USWBSI community and expects that all parties affiliated with the USWBSI also acknowledge and comply with this Code of Conduct.

Expected Behavior

  • 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.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech directed toward others.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert authorities if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, USWBSI-contracted facility, or any other venue of USWBSI affiliated activities.
  • Within the conduct of USWBSI events, attendees may enjoy alcoholic beverages. Responsible consumption of alcohol is expected.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form will not be accepted. 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:
    • Physical or verbal abuse
    • Unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or exclusionary behavior related to age, appearance or body size, employment or military status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, individual lifestyle, marital status, national origin, physical or cognitive ability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, race, or religion
    • Inappropriate physical contact
    • Unwanted sexual attention
    • Use of sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces or in presentations
    • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
    • Taking photographs or recording of another individual’s oral presentation or poster when indicated that photography or recording is not permitted
    • Sustained or repeated disruption of talks or other events
    • Bullying behavior
    • Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior

Notification

If you are being harassed, observe someone else being harassed, or have a concern(s) that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety, you should contact local authorities (by calling 911) and notify facility security immediately.

If you are not in immediate danger but feel that you are the subject of unacceptable behavior, have witnessed any such behavior, or have other concerns, please contact the USWBSI NFO (nfo@scabusa.org or call 517-290-5023) or contact any member of the USWBSI Executive Committee (see listing at https://scabusa.org/committees). The USWBSI will evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, expulsion of an individual from attendance at or participation in an event without prior warning or refund; and limits, restrictions, or conditions on participation in or attendance at future USWBSI events.

Established: 9/15/2023