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ACLA Code of Conduct

ACLA Code of Conduct

ACLA meetings and events are convened for the purposes of professional development and scholarly and educational interchange in the spirit of free inquiry and free expression. Professional academic ethics and norms shall apply as standards of behavior and interaction at these meetings and events.

ACLA seeks to provide an environment in which diverse participants may learn from each other, interact in scholarly exchange, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual human respect. Some behaviors are, therefore, specifically prohibited as they may contaminate this environment.

Harassment of colleagues, students, or other Participants in ACLA meetings and events undermines the principle of equity at the heart of our meetings and events and is inconsistent with the principles of free inquiry and free expression. Consequently, the ACLA considers all forms of harassment to be a serious form of professional misconduct. This Code of Conduct outlines expectations for all those who attend or participate in ACLA meetings and events.

1. Purpose

ACLA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming conference environment for all Participants, regardless of actual or perceived gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, age, or religion. “Participant” in this policy refers to anyone present at ACLA meetings and events, including ACLA staff, contractors, vendors, exhibitors, venue staff, ACLA members, volunteers and all other attendees.

2. Expected Behavior

All Participants at ACLA meetings and events are expected to abide by this Anti-Harassment Policy in all meeting and event venues including ancillary events and official and unofficial social gatherings.  These are our basic guidelines:

  • Abide by the norms of professional respect that are necessary to promote the conditions for free academic interchange.
  • If you witness potential harm to a Participant, be proactive in helping to mitigate or avoid that harm.
  • Alert venue or security personnel or law enforcement if you see a situation in which someone might be in imminent physical danger.

3. Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • persistent and unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy, with or without real or implied threat of professional harm
  • intimidating, harassing, abusive, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in an ACLA meeting and/or at any related event
  • prejudicial actions or comments related to actual or perceived gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, age, or religion that coerce others, foment broad hostility, or otherwise undermine professional equity or the principles of free academic exchange
  • deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
  • harassing photography or recording
  • sustained disruption of talks or other events
  • physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping)
  • real or implied threat of physical harm

4. Reporting and Investigation

Any forms of harassment as described in this Anti-Harassment Policy should be reported to ACLA’s President.  Any forms of harassment as described in this policy involving ACLA’s President should be reported to ACLA’s Vice President.  ACLA will use reasonable efforts to investigate complaints in accordance with reasonable standards of due process and fairness and will maintain confidentiality to the extent reasonably possible. If deemed necessary, the Executive Committee may consult outside counsel to assist in the investigation. No individual will be retaliated against for making a complaint or assisting with the investigation of a complaint.

5. Penalties for Unacceptable behavior

Anyone who is found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. ACLA reserves the right to expel, censure, and/or bar from future ACLA meetings and events any Participant who violates this Anti-Harassment Policy.