Our communities, events, and conferences are dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference [without a refund] at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Zero Tolerance Harassment Policy
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, educational background, or experience in the technical field.
Sexual images in public spaces
Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
Harassing photography or recording
Sustained disruption of talks or other events
Inappropriate physical contact
Unwelcome sexual attention
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
Enforcement
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately
Exhibitors in the expo hall, sponsor or vendor booths, or similar activities – and all virtual and digital platforms – are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the conference [with no refund].
Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.
We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities. We think people should follow these rules outside event activities too!
Reporting
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to brooke@onequantum.org. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.
You can make a report either personally or anonymously using, services such as, https://anonymousemail.me
Any member of conference staff can issue a verbal warning to a participant that their behavior violates the conference’s anti-harassment policy. Warnings should be reported to brooke@onequantum.org as soon as practical.
The report should include:
Identifying information of the participant
The time you issued the warning
The behavior that was in violation
The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time of warning)
The circumstances surrounding the incident
Your identity
Other people involved in the incident
Presentations
Presentations or similar events should not be stopped for one-time gaffes or minor problems, although a member of conference staff should speak to the presenter afterward. However, staff should take immediate action to politely and calmly stop any presentation or event that repeatedly or seriously violates the anti-harassment policy. For example, simply say “I’m sorry, this presentation cannot be continued at the present time” with no further explanation.
Taking reports
When taking a report from someone experiencing harassment you should record what they say and reassure them they are being taken seriously, but avoid making specific promises about what actions the organizers will take. Ask for any other information if the reporter has not volunteered it (such as time, place) but do not pressure them to provide it if they are reluctant. Even if the report lacks important details such as the identity of the person taking the harassing actions, it should still be recorded and passed along to the appropriate staff member(s). If the reporter desires it, arrange for an escort by conference staff or a trusted person, contact a friend, and contact local law enforcement. Do not pressure the reporter to take any action if they do not want to do it. Respect the reporter’s privacy by not sharing unnecessary details with others, especially individuals who were not involved with the situation or non-staff members.
Expulsion
A participant may be expelled by the decision of any of the above listed entities for whatever reasons they deem sufficient. However, some general expulsion guidelines are:
A [first/second/third/seventeenth] offense resulting in a warning from staff
Continuing to harass after any “No” or “Stop” instruction
A pattern of harassing behavior, with or without warnings
A single serious offense (e.g., punching or groping someone)
A single obviously intentional offense (e.g., taking up-skirt photos)
Public Statements
As a general rule, conference staff should not make any public statements about the behavior of individual people during or after the conference. Best practices suggest consulting with other staff members when possible and to take action when necessary.