Code of Conduct

DCLDE is a professional conference and workshop committed to fostering an environment and community that is welcoming, safe, supportive, and collaborative for all who attend.  Conference organizers and attendees hail from all over the world and from a wide array of entities (e.g., universities, government-affiliated research groups, NGOs, and industry) and represent a rich collection of identities, backgrounds, and experience.  To create a space that best celebrates this community and our work, we ask all attendees to abide by the following code of conduct, with the understanding that a violation could result in repercussions as outlined below.

Expected Behavior

Keep your conversations and your behavior respectful.  With any group and any exchange of ideas come the potential for competing points of view and opinions.  Members of our community will frequently disagree on, and even debate, certain topics.  These conversations – when conducted good-naturedly with respect and a spirit of curiosity – are an essential part of learning, collaborating on, and sharing research.  If at any point in an interaction you feel your own or notice other tensions running high, disengage.

If you become aware of an escalating, potentially dangerous situation or of someone in distress or in need of assistance, alert the designated conference organizer (contact details TBD - shared at time of event). For non-emergency intervention, consider community-based alternatives to police (such as the resources found here: https://dontcallthepolice.com/new-york-city/).  In case of emergency, call 911.

Respect people’s privacy.  Do not expect people to discuss their personal lives.  Always ask before taking anyone’s photo.

Respect other people’s right to not want to speak with or otherwise interact with you.  Be alert for any indication that an interaction initiated or participated in by yourself is unwanted and/or causing discomfort and respond appropriately by disengaging and walking away.

Abide by the accessibility guidelines outlined below.

Respect any additional policies set forth by any venues used while attending DCLDE.

Unacceptable Behavior

Harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, or coercion in any form is unacceptable.  This includes inappropriate, disrespectful, or oppressive comments, jokes, or media (e.g., hate symbols) such as, but not limited to, those related to gender/gender expression, sexualities, pregnancy and breastfeeding status, abilities and neurodivergences, physical appearance (including body type and skin color), race, religion, national origin, immigration status, and veteran status.  Uninvited and/or unwelcome physical contact, romantic and/or sexual overtures (verbal or physical), inappropriate use of nudity or sexual images, and any behaviors that could reasonably be considered intimidating, threatening, stalking, or otherwise hostile are also considered unacceptable.

Physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.

Refrain from disrupting talks and other events associated with DCLDE.

Consequences

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior must comply immediately.

DCLDE organizers and designated associates may respond to violations of this Code of Conduct with anything from a warning to asking the violator to leave and blacklisting them from future DCLDE events.  DCLDE also reserves the right to contact third-party services (e.g., venue security and/or personnel, social media platforms, applicable authorities) should your behavior warrant doing so.

Reporting

Anyone who finds themselves subject or witness to any inappropriate behavior or has concerns relevant to this Code of Conduct (explicit or implicit) is encouraged to notify the designated conference organizer (contact details TBD - shared at time of event).

Comments on this Code of Conduct

The contents of this Code of Conduct and the associated Accessibility Policy are not exhaustive, and we encourage DCLDE participants to use their best judgment.  If you feel there has been an oversight or otherwise have further questions, comments, or considerations that you feel may be relevant, please reach out to the DCLDE organizers at any time.

Accessibility

We at DCLDE will do our best to make our spaces accessible while acknowledging the potential for competing accommodations.  To that end, we encourage all attendees to review the following accessibility policy and consider how your choices can improve everyone’s experience at DCLDE.

Attendees

  • Do not assume someone needs your help.  Always ask before providing assistance and respect the answer.

  • Avoid lingering in doorways and narrow passageways.

  • Leave most accessible seats (nearest aisles and doorways) free for those who need them.

  • When applicable and available, use the microphone.

  • Do not interact with service animals without asking.

  • Be aware that the use of strong fragrances may negatively impact those with high sensitivities, especially in enclosed spaces.  Please wash your hands after smoking.

  • Take steps to reduce germs, particularly on behalf of those who may be immunocompromised.  This includes:

    • Washing hands after using the bathroom and before meals.

    • Wearing a mask and social distancing if ill.

    • Wearing a mask if requested to do so.

    • Respect others’ choices to social distance.

Presenters

  • Use highly-contrasting font in your presentations and posters.

  • Attempt to employ color-blind friendly palettes in your graphics.

  • Consider adding captioning and/or verbal explanations to visuals.

  • Warn audiences prior to flashing effects or otherwise potentially sensitive content.

Location

  • More information about the specific campus and buildings to come, including details about:

    • Elevator, ramps, stairs, and stages

    • ADA-compliance at venue and hotels

    • Presence of fluorescent lighting.

    • Temperature

  • DCLDE supports your use of the bathroom that is most comfortable for you.

Inclusivity Statement

DCLDE is committed to fostering an environment and community that is welcoming, safe, supportive, and collaborative.  The animals and technologies in our field are endlessly diverse and complex; so too are the researchers, programmers, funders, students, enthusiasts, and more who continue to make this work and an event like DCLDE possible.  We affirm our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and will continue to take steps to:

·      Increase representation in DCLDE presentations, posters, and workshops, as well as in our leadership and committees.

·      Elevate under-served voices by investing in funding opportunities for attendance support.

·      Provide virtual options for attendance and work to otherwise increase and optimize accessibility in our spaces.

·      Empower those who find themselves in vulnerable situations by explicitly laying out expected conduct and providing direct recourse against bad actors.

·      Loudly encourage a culture of respect and belonging for all identities.

·      Reflect on how DCLDE can continue to improve as an organization and attempt to mitigate longstanding systemic inequalities in sciences and technology.

Ultimately, we at DCLDE strive to be ever increasingly mindful of our various axes of privilege and marginalization and how we can use those privileges and our roles as community leaders to protect, set an example, and make DCLDE a stronger and safer event for all.