Code of Conduct

In short: 

• Be kind

• Listen and share with an open mind

• Choose cooperation rather than conflict

• Assume good intentions of others

With this code of conduct, we aim to provide a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, caste, national origin, citizen status, age, sexual orientation, disability, appearance, body size, religion, socioeconomic status, other group status, or their intersection. Additionally, harassment due to knowledge, experience, and/or perspectives related to the conference topic are violations of this code of conduct. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Sales and solicitations of any kind are prohibited and include any verbal or written communications to LESSS participants with the intent to sell, promote, or gather feedback on a product, resource, or service.

Examples of expected behavior that contributes to a positive conference experience:

• Using welcoming and inclusive language

• Being respectful of differing viewpoints and lived experiences

• Accepting constructive criticism gracefully and owning the impact of our words and actions

• Showing empathy towards other participants

• Showing consideration and respect in both speech and action

• Showing respect for individuals’ personal boundaries

• Respecting the pronouns indicated by attendees and not assuming pronouns

• Leaving room for each other in the conversation

• Recommending the use of platforms or products as requested

Examples of unacceptable behavior, in any conference space:

• Registering for LESSS with the intention to violate the Code of Conduct, including spam and sales

• Harassment of any kind, even in a joking or ironic manner

• Grandstanding, talking down, continued reinforcement of a single point

• Microaggressions of any kind, including regarding personal attributes or professional experience

• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, social media harassment, or non-consensual photography or recording

• Trolling, insulting or derogatory comments, personal or political attacks, or sustained disruption of talks or other events

• Utilizing LESSS participant, schedule, and speaker information to create distribution lists outside of LESSS conference planning and administration purposes

• Directly or indirectly contacting LESSS participants to advertise or sell a product or service

• Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a workplace setting

By participating in this conference, everyone is expected to respect:

• Discussions - avoid unnecessary or inappropriate disruptions;

• Personal boundaries of others - do not pressure others to continue conversations with which they are uncomfortable, including unwanted sexual attention or sexual innuendo;

• Privacy of others - deliberate sharing of personal or private information about a person, or images or recordings of a person, without their consent;

• Perspectives of others - retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or other unacceptable behaviors or for participating in an investigation of such a claim

Bullying, trolling, violence, threats of violence, inciting violence, deliberate intimidation, or personal attacks will not be tolerated.

Violations to the Code of Conduct will be handled on a case by case basis with input from the reporter of the violation. Those reported as violating the code of conduct will be provided with the violation report and encouraged to pursue further training and development on the impact of their violation, particularly regarding professional community-building and career development. Serious or repeat violations may result in short or long term removal from the symposium.

Violations can be reported via this form. Form submissions are anonymous but submissions will be shared with the person named as violating the code of conduct. We share these complaints to foster an environment that encourages learning, self-reflection, and self-improvement. 

In this form, we ask for:

• A description of the violation 

• Name of the individual(s) in violation of the code of conduct

• The action(s) you think is (are) most appropriate for addressing this violation? (select all that apply)

  • Monitor, no immediate action required

  • Immediate removal/ban from conference

  • 1 year ban from this conference

  • Other [please provide]