CODE OF CONDUCT

The Association of Southeastern Biologists aims to be inclusive to participants in the Annual Meeting; we are committed to providing a professional, friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or other personal characteristics. The following Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in the Annual Meeting, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior and guidelines for reporting Code of Conduct violations.

Code of Conduct:
The Association of Southeastern Biologists is committed to professional behavior at all Annual Meeting venues, including ancillary events and social gatherings (official and unofficial).  The Association expects that all participants (attendees, members, vendors, exhibitors, contractors, staff and venue staff) will abide by this Code of Conduct, creating an environment free from harassment, discrimination, incivility or violence of any kind.  We expect meeting participants to exercise consideration and respect in their speech and actions and refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior; those witnessing a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct are expected to report the behavior as directed in, “Reporting Code of Conduct Violations.”

Registration for the Annual Meeting is considered an agreement to abide by this Code of Conduct. 

Unacceptable Behavior:
Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of the Annual Meeting
• Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, or other personal characteristics
• Inappropriate or gratuitous use of nudity, sexual images, or stereotyped images in public spaces (including presentation slides)
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
• Harassing photography or recording
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events
• Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact
• Physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping)
• Real or implied threat of physical harm
• Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm
• Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior
• Falsely reporting unacceptable behavior
• Destruction/theft of physical property, including those at onsite and offsite venues or participants’ personal property
• Theft of intellectual property and/or falsifying data

Sponsors are also required to abide by the Code of Conduct. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualised images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualised environment.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior:
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, The Association of Southeastern Biologists reserves the right to take any action it deems appropriate. ASB reserves the right to remove an individual from the Annual Meeting without refund, to prohibit an individual from attendance at future meetings, and/or to report the incident to hotel security or to law enforcement agencies.
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Reporting Code of Conduct Violations:
The Association of Southeastern Biologists has contracted with an outside consulting firm to ensure confidential reporting of violations. If you are being subjected to, or notice that someone else is being subjected to, behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, you may report the violation as directed below:

The number for reporting violations via telephone call or text during the ASB 2020 meeting is (202) 670-7746. The email address to be used for this purpose is sherry@smartsconsulting.com. During business hours, the ombudsman will make every effort to respond immediately; reports received after business hours will be addressed within 12 hours of receipt. 
Reports may also be made in person to the Vice President of the Association of Southeastern Biologists. To find the VP, ask representatives at the ASB booth in the exhibit hall or find contact information at our website: sebiologists.org. All complaints will be treated seriously and will be promptly addressed. Reports are confidential.

If possible, provide the following information, preferably in writing:

• Identifying information (name and appearance) of the participant doing the harassing
• The behavior that was in violation
• The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time the report was made)
• The circumstances surrounding the incident
• Other people involved in or witnessing the incident

If needed or requested, staff will help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the meeting.

Addressing Grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct you should notify The Association of Southeastern Biologists with a concise description of your grievance.