INTERIM SMITH FELLOWS PROGRAM CODE OF CONDUCT
(adapted from the Society for Conservation Biology):
The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship program works to promote at its meetings and events an inclusive environment that is welcoming, safe, collaborative, supportive, and productive for all attendees, and that values the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences reflected among these participants. To that end, we expect participants to abide by the following Code of Conduct:
Expected Behavior
We will
Treat everyone with respect and consideration.
Communicate openly and thoughtfully with others and be considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are present in a community of people.
Be respectful in discussion and critique of ideas.
Be mindful of surroundings and of fellow participants. Alert Smith Fellows Program staff if there is a potentially troubling or dangerous situation, someone in distress and/or unacceptable behavior (see below for definition).
Respect the rules, policies, and requests of the Program and all venues associated with the event.
Uphold and support the Program’s commitment and actions to improve the event’s environmental and social impacts and promote equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Unacceptable Behavior
Criminal offenses.
Participation or promotion of harassment, intimidation, or discriminatory behaviors in-person or on Smith Fellows Program social media platforms or digital media.
Overt or subtle physical, verbal, or non-verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, staff member, service provider or other event participant.
Disruption of talks at the meeting/event or other associated activities organized by SCB.
Inappropriate comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or breastfeeding; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or presentations; inappropriate sexual advances or touching; threatening, bullying, harassment (sexual or otherwise), discrimination or stalking of any attendee.
Consequences
Anyone requested to stop a behavior that is labeled unacceptable is expected to comply immediately.
The Smith Fellows Program may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the meeting without warning.
The Smith Fellows Program will report criminal offenses to local authorities and reserves the right to report a possible criminal offense where appropriate.
The Smith Fellows Program reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting or event.
Process for Reporting Unacceptable Behavior
If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or have witnessed any such behavior, please immediately follow these steps:
Ensure that you are in a safe space. In the case of a medical or criminal emergency, contact local emergency response authorities.
You also have the right to report a criminal (or possible criminal) offense to Smith Fellows Program staff and/or local authorities.
All concerns relating to unacceptable behavior will be treated seriously and addressed promptly. Complainants will remain in control of the process and the Smith Fellows Program staff will outline options available to deal with the situation promptly, effectively, and in a manner that the complainant finds most suitable.