Code of Conduct
The Geobiology Society aims to provide all participants of the Biannual Geobiology conference with a positive, safe, and harassment-free environment in which diverse participants may learn, discuss, and network in an atmosphere of mutual respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, country of origin, age, disability, physical appearance, body size, religion, or culture. We recognize the responsibility to create and maintain that diverse environment for the benefit of all and to be active in promoting meaningful participation of individuals from all underrepresented groups and minorities.
Applicability
All attendees must adhere to the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct in all Conference-related events. This applies to all events, other supported programs and all virtual events.
Examples of expected behaviour
• Treat everyone with respect and consideration.
• Communicate respectfully and openly with others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
• Be considerate of views and opinions that are different from your own.
• Alert an organiser or onsite security personnel if you witness unacceptable behaviour or someone in distress.
• Honour instructions if photographs or recordings of presentations are not allowed.
• If you choose to drink alcohol or to consume other legal intoxicants in accordance with Federal and Provincial laws, do it so responsibly and safely. Be mindful of your responsibility to act professionally.
• Respect the rules and policies of the conference centre and all associated venues, including but not limited to field trip accommodations and pre- and post-conference events (e.g. workshops).
• Standards for respectful behaviour and communication apply in any forum or medium, including in-person or virtual conferences and events, any online interactions, any social media, conference presentations, and media interviews.
Examples of unacceptable behaviour
• Harassment and intimidation in any form, including gender-based harassment, and any verbal, written, or physical conduct designed to threaten, intimidate, or coerce.
• Discrimination in any form based on race, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, physical appearance, body size, religion, or culture.
• Use of nudity or sexual images in public spaces or presentations.
• Jokes or remarks that reflect stereotyping and denigrate others.
• Stalking in any form, including on-line trolling.
• Sexual harassment in any form, including inappropriate, unwanted or unwelcome physical contact such as touching, patting or pinching; insulting comments, gestures, or practical jokes of a sexual nature that cause discomfort or embarrassment; and inappropriate enquiries or comments.
• Disrespectful disruption of presentations in all Geobiology Society-related events.
• Disparaging remarks, stereotyping, negative language, and ad hominem attacks.
• Use of online tools such as chat rooms, any social media, or other forms of digital communication to engage in any form of harassment, stalking, discrimination, or any of the behaviours listed above.
Consequences
Anyone requested to stop any form of unacceptable behaviour must comply immediately. If necessary, the organisers or on-site security may take further action, including:
• Verbal warning
• Immediate removal from the event without warning and without a refund.
• Submission of a formal misconduct report to the Geobiology Society. Where complaints submitted to the Committee are found to have merit, disciplinary action will be taken against the offender — up to and including prohibiting attendance at any future meetings or referral of complaints to the offender’s employer or legal authorities if criminal actions are involved.
Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour
If you experience or witness any form of unacceptable behaviour or have any questions about what unacceptable behaviour is, please contact an organiser, or the venue’s security personnel member immediately. If reports are made verbally and dealt with by on-site security personnel, the Geobiology Society should be informed by the person receiving the report after the incident. The incident may also be reported to the Geobiology Society if further action is needed.
Complaints regarding any type of unacceptable behaviour can be made in person on-site or via email to the designated authority for each event, ensuring that the email subject line reflects the urgency of the situation. Complaints submitted to the Geobiology Society will be handled confidentially to the maximum extent possible and will be investigated
and resolved promptly.
Code of Ethics
The Geobiology Society Code of Ethics strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone for reporting or inquiring in good faith about what that person believes to be unacceptable behaviour or for participating in any related investigation. The Geobiology Society will not tolerate retaliatory behaviour from its members, especially from those in senior positions.
If you experience or witness behaviour or actions that are an immediate or serious threat to you, others, or public safety (for example, physical and sexual assault), first consider your safety and then contact emergency services (911) or the venue’s security immediately.