We believe all participants at the Midwest Relativity meetings should feel welcome and safe. We take harassment and discrimination of any kind very seriously. If you witness or experience a breach of the code of conduct outlined below, contact a member of the organising committee. Our code of conduct is adapted from the Capra Meetings on Radiation Reaction.
Statement of Values
The Midwest Relativity meetings serve as a way of bringing together relativists from the midwest and beyond, as well as serving as a platform to highlight the work of students and early-career researchers. While this remains our scholastic focus, we are also a community of people who strive to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all who wish to partake in these academic pursuits.
Expected Behavior
We expect individuals in our community to treat one another with respect and without prejudice.
Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to the following:
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Harassment
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Bullying
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Discrimination
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Retaliation
While bias and harassment come in many forms, the following forms are quite common. Discrimination based on the following is not acceptable:
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Race
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Ethnicity
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Biological sex
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Gender identity
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Sexual orientation
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Age
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Disability
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Religion
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Socio-economic status
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Civil status
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Family status
Definitions
We adopt the definition of sexual harassment and other harassment of the Anti-Harassment Policy for Meetings and Activities of the American Astronomical Society and Divisions (https://aas.org/policies/anti-harassment-policy). In the following, we report their definition:
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Behaviour and language that are welcome/acceptable to one person may be unwelcome/offensive to another. Consequently, individuals must use discretion to ensure that their words and actions communicate respect for others. This is especially important for those in positions of authority since individuals with lower rank or status may be reluctant to express their objections or discomfort regarding unwelcome behavior.
Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behaviour that is not welcome, is personally offensive, debilitates morale, and therefore, interferes with work effectiveness. The following are examples of behaviour that, when unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment: sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal comments or physical actions of a sexual nature; sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; a display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; sexually explicit jokes; unnecessary touching.
Definition of Other Harassment
Harassment and bullying on the basis of any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited. This conduct includes, but is not limited to the following: epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts (in person or via e-mail); denigrating jokes and display or circulation of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group. Even in cases where an individual victim cannot be identified, lewd, offensive, or inappropriate behaviour may be construed as harassment and cannot be tolerated in a professional, collegial environment.
Definition of Discrimination
Discrimination refers to bias or prejudice resulting in denial of opportunity, or unfair treatment regarding selection, promotion, or transfer. Discrimination is practiced commonly on the grounds of age, disability, ethnicity, origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, etc. factors which are irrelevant to a person’s competence or suitability.
Definition of Retaliation
Retaliation refers to taking some action to negatively impact another based on them reporting an act of discrimination or harassment.
