ICAPS will not tolerate abuse or discriminatory or sexual harassment toward any person during any conference-related activities, including but not limited to submission, reviewing, tutorials, workshops, or social events. Abuse includes any action directed at an individual that (a) interferes substantially with that person’s participation or (b) causes that person to fear for their personal safety. This includes threats, intimidation, bullying, stalking, or other types of abuse. Discriminatory harassment includes any conduct that discriminates or denigrates an individual on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or presentation, sexual orientation, physical appearance, religious affiliation, creed, marital or familial status, disability, personal characteristics, or any other differentiating factors, as well as any other characteristic protected by law in the location where conference activity takes place. Sexual harassment includes (but is not limited to) repeated unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Any behavior that gives rise to a reasonable expectation of putting the health or safety of any person at risk is unacceptable, whether during conference activities or one-on-one. Whether or not directed at an individual or set of individuals, ICAPS disallows intimidation, psychological attacks, physical violence, threats of physical violence, threats of professional or financial harm, and humiliating or derogatory speech. Generally offensive, prejudicial, or harmful verbal/written comments or displayed visual images may be considered discriminatory harassment. Inappropriate or gratuitous use of nudity, sexual images, or offensively caricatured images may be considered sexual harassment. Other examples of sexual harassment include (but are not limited to) unwelcome propositions, inappropriate touching of an individual’s body, and degrading or humiliating comments about an individual’s appearance. ICAPS does not permit sustained disruption of presentations or other events, harassing photography or recording, or deliberate stalking or following. Encouraging or advocating any unacceptable behaviors is equally disallowed. All conference staff and participants must follow local laws.
All persons, organizations, and entities that attend ICAPS conferences and events are subject to the standards of conduct set forth above. ICAPS expects all community members to formally endorse this code of conduct and to actively prevent and discourage any undesired behaviors. Everyone should feel empowered to politely engage when they themselves or others are disrespected and to raise awareness and understanding of this code of conduct. ICAPS event participants asked to stop their unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately. Sponsors are also subject to this code of conduct in their participation in ICAPS events. All ICAPS agents and representatives are empowered to take all necessary action to prevent or stop any conduct that appears in their judgement to be violating this code, including but not limited to removing the violator temporarily from the conference or calling in local law enforcement officials. Serious or repeat violations may lead to an individual being permanently barred from the conference series and notification of the violator’s employer and law enforcement. No refunds or other compensation will be provided to those who are removed from the conference. Any sanctions beyond temporary removal must be approved by the ICAPS Executive Council.
To report any behavior that violates this code of conduct, please use the report form, or contact the current Diversity and Inclusion chair, Shirin Sohrabi, either by email or other means. Complaints will be reviewed by the Diversity and Inclusion committee. Feedback on this code is also welcome.