Code of Conduct

Overview

ACADIA values the exchange of ideas and knowledge in a welcoming, safe, professional, and respectful environment for all. This Code of Conduct has been developed to help us promote these values.

The Code of Conduct applies to all ACADIA activities including:

  • Conferences, symposia, workshops, meetings, tours, receptions, and social activities sponsored, cosponsored, or in cooperation with ACADIA;
  • ACADIA member meetings;
  • Exchanges among committees or other bodies associated with ACADIA activities, publications, and/or communications sent through communication channels associated with ACADIA, including social media.

ACADIA Board members and event organizers, including the conference committee will enforce this code and expect cooperation from all participants, including speakers, attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and student volunteers.

Expected Behavior

Expected behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Being respectful and courteous to other members, participants, event organizers, and those working at event venue(s);
  • Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory, unprofessional behavior, or any activities that might be deemed as harassment or inflict harm to someone verbally or physically;
  • Being cognizant and respectful of local customs, laws, rules, and regulations;
  • Promptly alerting event organizers and members of the ACADIA Board of Directors if you notice a potentially harmful or dangerous situation;
  • In the event of an emergency or if danger is imminent, seek safety and alert the appropriate authorities.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior includes, but not limited to: harassment, intimidation, abuse, discrimination, and conduct that are derogatory, demeaning, or not in line with common sense behavior associated with the subject work or social environment. This includes appropriate attire and how one carries themself.

Examples of unacceptable behavior:

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by any participant at ACADIA activities and related events, including any one-on-one communications carried out in the context of ACADIA activities;
  • Offensive verbal comments or gestures directed to a person or group based on their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or physical attributes. Use of profanity, obscene gestures, or slurs (racial, religious, ethnic, age, or gender) are unacceptable.
  • Use of explicit content (e.g. nudity, lewd images) that is inappropriate for a general audience and/or unrelated to scholarly inquiry;
  • Intentionally targeted intimidation or stalking;
  • Unwelcome or harassing photography or recording without explicit permission;
  • Disruptive behavior intended to distract others during a presentation or public announcement;
  • Unprofessional expression of discontent causing any one or group of people discomfort or disrupting peace;
  • Unwelcome physical contact including sexual advances, groping, or assaults;
  • Abusive behaviors or comments (e.g. physical, verbal, written) such as threats or harm (real or implied) directed toward another person or group, creating an uncomfortable or unsafe environment;
  • At ACADIA related events, possession of a weapon intended to cause harm or danger, or any other items that could cause harm to oneself and others if used inappropriately;*
  • Failing to abide by ACADIA’s Code of Conduct or the rules and regulations of event site venues.

Consequences of Violations of this Code of Conduct

In the event of unacceptable behavior at any ACADIA activity or event, ACADIA reserves the right to take action including:

  • Removing an individual from any ACADIA event or activity without refund;
  • Exclusion in publishing or participating in future ACADIA conferences or events and/or exclusion from deriving other benefits from ACADIA activities;
  • Exclusion from ACADIA leadership positions;
  • Suspension or termination of an individual’s ACADIA membership.

These actions may be applied regardless of whether or not the offender is a member of ACADIA. Actions will also be taken against any individual who knowingly makes a false allegation.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior at an event and wish to inform a person in authority, please contact a member of the ACADIA Board of Directors or one of the Conference Site Chairs. These individuals can provide information about the process for handling complaints or handling immediate onsite needs.

An investigation or futher action requires a formal (written) complaint to be made to the ACADIA Ethics Committee. Please use this online form to report an incident of violation of the ACADIA Code of Conduct. Prompt reporting of incidents is encouraged. The committee will undertake an investigation, make a final decision of whether ACADIA’s Code of Conduct has been violated, and will determine the appropriate action. ACADIA will strive to keep the identity of individuals involved in the report as confidential as possible beyond the investigation.

ACADIA will not tolerate any retaliation against an individual who, in good faith reports violations or suspected violations of this code.

Warnings and Disclaimers

This Code of Conduct applies only to behavior at ACADIA sponsored events and activities and is not intended to limit open discussion or the merits of work or issues presented at any ACADIA event.

ACADIA assumes no liability or responsibility for the actions of any member or other event participant.

ACADIA is not responsible for protecting the safety of members or event participants. Any individual who feels their safety is at risk due to harassment or for any other reason is encouraged to take appropriate steps to ensure personal safety.

* ACADIA is committed to partnering with event venues that do not permit weapons. In some cases local and state laws limit our ability to prohibit licensed possession of firearms in public venues.