The following is a Code of Conduct for reviewers and participants of FASL 31, which is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all its participants. It describes expected behavior and outlines ways in which the organizers will address problems that arise.

Unprofessional behavior 

All conference participants must maintain professional integrity in their relationships and interactions with one another. “Participant” in this policy refers to anyone attending the conference (in in-person, hybrid, or online iterations) or present at the conference, including staff. 

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Prejudicial actions or communication (language or actions) related to a person’s identity or group membership, that coerce others, foment broad hostility, or otherwise undermine professional equity or the principles of free academic exchange. Relevant identities include (but are not limited to) those defined by age, ethnicity, gender, disability, professional status, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. 
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
• Harassing photography or recording 
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events
• Inappropriate physical contact 
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Advocating for, encouraging, or condoning any of the above behavior

The expression or the critique of a contested academic viewpoint does not in itself constitute harassment, as long as it is done in a professional and respectful way. By contrast, aggressive discussion styles (including ad hominem comments) that are aimed to intimidate, marginalize, belittle, or disparage others (or their research area) are unacceptable. 

Inclusive Behavior

FASL 31 aims to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all participants. Every participant is welcome and respected. By the same token, all participants are expected to treat each other with respect and tolerance. To accomplish this, participants are asked to speak up and take action when these values are not adhered to, and recognize that power differences and hierarchies inherent to academia and broader society may inhibit many participants (including students and junior scholars) from deciding to object to or report problematic behavior (details on reporting below). 

FASL 31 encourages its participants to proactively engage in inclusive behavior, e.g.:

• acknowledge the opinions, skills, and contributions of others; 
• discuss any sensitive material in a respectful way where the material is adequately contextualized in line with academic inquiry; 
• give feedback to others in a professional and respectful manner; 
• refrain from disruptive or monopolizing behavior, especially during talks and question periods; 
• advocate for others when they are unable to advocate for themselves, or in instances of prejudice or discrimination; and
• provide encouragement, help, support, or mentorship to colleagues when it is welcomed. 

Reporting 

Harassment and other violations of this code reduce the value of our event for everyone. If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, or if you witness unacceptable behavior, please report it to the conference organizers as soon as possible.

You can report a violation: 

● in person to an organizer; 

● in an email to the organizers (at fasl.mcmaster.2022@gmail.com); 

● or in an anonymous form provided by COGEL 

FASL 31 organizers will do their best to address your report with as much confidentiality as the enforcement process allows.

Depending on the nature of the violation, in some jurisdictions organizers may also be required by law and/or university policy to inform authorities. 

Enforcement 

FASL 31 organizers are committed to taking appropriate actions to prevent and/or stop any behavior designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.

Participants who are reasonably and politely asked to comply with this code should do so immediately. Failure to do so could and should result in the filing of a violation report (see above). 

If a participant has a report filed against them, the conference organizers will review the report and will contact the participant so they can consider their version of the incident. The organizers might also consult with the person who filed the report or other people involved in or with knowledge of the incident.

The organizers will decide, as quickly as possible, the extent to which the behavior reported constitutes a violation of the Code of Conduct. If the target consents, the organizers may choose to respond to the behavior reported. Possible responses include: 

● no response (if the behavior is found to not constitute a violation); 

● a warning to the participant that their behavior constitutes a minor violation, but that continued behavior would constitute a major violation; and 

● expulsion from the conference and a report of the incident to the following year’s organizers (if the behavior is found to constitute a major violation)

Severability  

If any part of this code of conduct is in conflict with the applicable law in the jurisdiction of the conference, this shall not affect the validity of any other part.