Fan Studies Network Conference Code of Conduct

Fan Studies Network

CONFERENCE CODE OF CONDUCT

The Fan Studies Network is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age or religion. We do not tolerate harassment or intimidation of conference participants in any form. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference [without a refund] at the discretion of the conference organizers. In order to ensure a supportive space for all, we ascribe to the following code of conduct:

These behaviours will not be tolerated by our members at our conferences:

  • Discriminating against, harassing, or intimidating others based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, geographic location, age, or other group identity.
  • Engaging in sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.
  • Shouting down or threatening others.
  • Acting in a way that is harmful, physically or emotionally, to others.
  • Acting in a way that is disrespectful to others, including loud and disruptive behaviour during conference presentations or events.
  • Not respecting others’ views.
  • Plagiarizing, or presenting material that is not your own without proper attribution.

Speakers should frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others. Attendees have the right to leave a session or a conversation if they ever wish to, and if asked to leave during an altercation should do so. We also expect the above standards to be maintained on the conference Twitter hashtag.

The Fan Studies Network maintains the right to stop participation in conference activities for violations of the code of conduct. We believe that all participants in all events should be treated with equal consideration in a space free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation.

Enforcement

Participants asked to stop any discriminatory, harassing, or intimidating behaviour are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in this behaviour, conference organisers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the conference. Conference organisers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities.

Reporting

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to an FSN board member, or conference staff, who can be identified by their badges. You can make an anonymous report by clicking this link: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/60sANalobK0QBq2R8z8ffPgb3. We can’t follow up an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent a recurrence.

You can make a personal report by:

Emailing: fsnconference@gmail.com

Direct messaging on Twitter: @fanstudies

Contacting an FSN board or conference staff member, identified by their badges.

When taking a personal report, we will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we’ll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won’t be asked to confront anyone and we won’t tell anyone who you are. Reporting an incident does not make the complainant obliged to pursue any further action.

Our team will be happy to help you contact hotel/venue security, local police, local support services, provide escorts, if needed, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

Responding to Reports

Any reports or complaints made to the FSN board or conference team will be investigated and action will be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Acknowledgement

This anti-harassment policy is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki (created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers) and adapted from the guidelines of the Popular Culture Association, Modern Language Association and American Library Association.

http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment