The Access Network is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment during all of our events and activities, whether they are in-person, virtual, or asynchronous. We welcome participants from all walks of life and all dimensions of identity, including gender identity and expression, age, year in school, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), and socio-economic background.
We expect participants to behave respectfully and professionally when involved in Network activities, including formal events (e.g., sessions at the Access Assembly), informal events (e.g., social events at the Access Assembly), meetings for Network activities, communication with others in the Network, and communication via social media/other online platforms. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. Examples of expected behavior are given below.
Respectful Behavior
- Treat all participants with dignity and respect. Discrimination, derogatory remarks, and offensive language or actions are strictly prohibited.
- Refrain from engaging in any form of harassment, including but not limited to any verbal, physical, and visual conduct that could create an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment.
- Avoid conduct that might be interpreted as having romantic or sexual intent. Inappropriate conduct can take the form of language, imagery, gestures, or touch that makes people feel unsafe and/or unwelcome. Physical contact and discussions pertaining to romantic and sexual relationships should only happen with explicit consent from everyone involved in the interaction.
Responsibility and Professionalism
- Maintain a professional demeanor while participating in Network activities. “Professional demeanor” may vary based on the event or activity. However, this generally includes:
- Paying attention to and being respectful of current speakers.
- Giving others the opportunity to speak in discussions.
- Maintaining a cordial tone when interacting with others.
- Coming to events with the attitude that you’re there to learn.
- Abiding by established event norms.
- Avoid being or becoming intoxicated. This includes alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that may impair judgment. Such behavior is especially inappropriate as it excludes underage participants.
- Adhere to the principle of “don’t yuck my yum”—respect the interests, passions, and preferences of others, even if they differ from your own.
Enforcement
Behavior violating the code of conduct can cause harm to Access Network participants. Additionally, it can also threaten Access’s continued funding and existence. For both these reasons, we take violations seriously. Participants found violating these rules may face sanctions or expulsion from the event or activity at the discretion of the relevant organizing team.
- Any concerns or questions regarding this code of conduct should be addressed to our Core Organizers, Ombuds Team, or event organizers (see information for your specific activity for contact information). Participants are encouraged to discuss anything that may have made them uncomfortable, unsafe, or confused, even if they aren’t sure if it falls under the code of conduct.
- All participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions outlined in this code of conduct and to seek clarification if needed from our glossary.
By participating in any Access Network activities, you agree to abide by this code of conduct and to contribute to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. Together, we can ensure that our events are enjoyable and enriching experiences for everyone involved.