Joint SFS & ASLO Code of Conduct

A core goal of both ASLO and SFS is to foster a scientific community that is safe, hospitable, and productive for all its members. Thus, ASLO and SFS seek to provide a welcoming and productive environment for those attending our meetings, workshops, and events, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, physical appearance, or career level. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, ASLO and SFS staff, service providers, and others are expected to abide by this joint SFS & ASLO Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to all components of the upcoming joint ASLO-SFS event, including those sponsored by organizations other than ASLO & SFS but held in conjunction with ASLO & SFS events, in public or private facilities.

Expected Behavior

  • Treat all participants, attendees, ASLO & SFS staff, and vendors with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
  • Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
  • Communicate openly with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Avoid personal attacks directed toward other attendees, participants, ASLO & SFS staff, and suppliers/vendors.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, ASLO- or SFS-contracted facility, or any other venue.
  • Request permission from speakers before recording or taking photographs during their presentation. Turn off any ringers or otherwise disrupting devices during oral or poster sessions.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation or discrimination in any form.
  • Physical or verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, ASLO or SFS staff member, service provider, or other event guest.
  • Disruption of talks at oral or poster sessions, in the exhibit hall, or at other events organized by ASLO or SFS at the event venue, hotels, or other ASLO- or SFS-contracted facilities.
  • Other examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to, verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations; or threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, ASLO & SFS staff member, service provider, or other event guest.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

  • Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
  • The ASLO & SFS leadership or security may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the meeting without warning or refund.
  • ASLO & SFS reserve the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

  • If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or have witnessed any such behavior, please notify someone immediately.
    • You may confidentially report to any member of the ASLO or SFS leadership (e.g. officers, including presidents Michael Pace and Amy Rosemond (president@aslo.org, president@freshwater-science.org, respectively), or board members), the executive directors of ASLO (Teresa Curto: execdir@aslo.org) or SFS (Andy Leidolf: exec.director@freshwater-science.org), or by e-mailing your concern to conference coordinator Helen Schneider-Lemay (business@aslo.org). Once a complaint is received, the person receiving the complaint will report the incident to either the ASLO and SFS president while respecting any conditions stated by the complainant.   A joint presidential council consisting of past, present, and presidents-elect will meet immediately to decide on the appropriate action(s).
  • Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety at our annual meeting in the convention center is advised to locate a house phone and ask for security.
  • We also encourage you to contact any ASLO or SFS officer regarding ways in which the society can improve inclusion of diverse participants and encourage both a stimulating and supportive atmosphere.
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