Code of Conduct and Visitor Policy

Overview

The Museum of Chemistry (the Museum) has adopted the following Code of Conduct for the safety and comfort of all museum visitors and guests. Those who violate the code may be subject to suspension of their museum privileges, exclusion from the museum, and/or legal actions. Decisions are made at the discretion of the staff present.

Enforcement

The Museum will enforce this code as written and. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the Museum will institute discipline ranging from a verbal warning, through denial of specific privileges, such as attending programs and/or classes, to denial of the right to visit the Museum for a specific time frame.

Staff may either direct the trespasser to cease the violation or vacate the premises. Upon refusal of such person to obey the directive, staff are authorized and directed to make a complaint to the appropriate law enforcement agency and to sign any information as necessary charging said trespasser with the appropriate violation of the law. In situations where staff feel that the health, safety, or security of museum visitors or personnel are threatened, any and all appropriate action may be taken including, but not limited to, calling the police for assistance. In the event of inappropriate behavior by a minor, the child's parent or guardian may be notified by staff. At the first opportunity, staff shall follow the established procedures for recording the facts and circumstances surround the enforcement of this code.

Appeals made relating to the suspension of museum privileges and/or revocation of privileges to enter the museum premises shall be made to the Board of Trustees.

Harmful, Disruptive, or Destructive Behavior

Examples of harmful, disruptive, or destructive behavior includes but is not limited to:

• Engaging in conduct that interferes with other museum visitor’s and/or staff’s ability to reasonably visit the museum or perform their job duties

• Using abusive or threatening language or actions

• Interfering with museum visitors' reasonable expectation of privacy

• Creating unreasonable noise such as loud, boisterous talking or using personal electronic equipment without headphones or at a volume that is audible to others

• Cell phone calls should be brief, answered with a low voice tone, and kept at a minimum in public areas

• Throwing, running, climbing, or playing sports in exhibits or other areas not designated for such activities

• Using museum materials, equipment, furniture, fixtures, or the facilities in a destructive, abusive, or potentially damaging manner, in a manner likely to cause personal injury to any person, or in any other manner inconsistent with local customary use

• Carrying weapons or weapon-like items on the premises

• Using skateboards, bicycles, or rollerblades in the building, on the walkways, or in the parking lot

• Soliciting, petitioning, or distributing materials or canvassing premises

• Disobeying the reasonable direction of staff or other museum personnel

Illegal Activities

Illegal activities are prohibited on museum property. Examples of such activities include:

• Committing or attempting to commit any activity that constitute a violation of any federal, state, or local statute or ordinance on museum premises

• Engaging in sexual conduct or indecent behavior on museum premises as defined under law

• Using controlled substances on museum premises

• Smoking or other use of tobacco inside the museum

• Consuming alcoholic beverages on museum premises unless approved in advance by the Executive Director as part of a scheduled meeting or event

Other Inappropriate Behavior

Examples of other inappropriate behavior:

• Bringing animals, other than working service animals, inside building without prior permission

• Using restrooms for bathing, shaving, washing hair, or other personal hygiene

• Using exhibit areas for changing diapers or other personal hygiene

• Loitering on grounds

• Parking vehicles on museum premises when not visiting the museum

• Exhibiting any other condition or action in which in the judgement of the Director disrupts the operation of the museum or its use by others or which endangers the health, safety, or wellbeing of museum visitors, volunteers, or employees

Questions

If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct and Visitor Policy, please feel free to contact us.