Annual Maize Genetics Conference Code of Conduct
The Maize Genetics Conference Steering Committee (MGCSC) is committed to making the Annual Maize Genetics Conference (MGC) an inclusive space for sharing ideas and knowledge. The MGCSC approved the following code of conduct in March 2016.
MGC Commitment
The MGCSC is committed to providing a safe and productive meeting environment that fosters open dialogue and the exchange of scientific ideas, promotes equal opportunities and treatment for all participants, and is free of harassment and discrimination. All participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, follow venue rules, and alert members of the MGCSC of any dangerous situations or anyone in distress. Speakers are expected to uphold standards of scientific integrity and professional ethics. This includes notifying the MGCSC in advance of the meeting about any possible conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. The MGCSC recognizes that there are areas of science that are controversial. The MGC can serve as an effective forum to consider and debate science-relevant viewpoints in an orderly, respectful, and fair manner. The policies herein apply to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, contractors, volunteers, and guests at the Annual Maize Genetics Conference and related events.
The MGCSC prohibits any form of harassment, sexual or otherwise. Harassment should be reported immediately to any member of the MGCSC.
What is Harassment?
Harassment includes speech or behavior that is not welcome or is personally offensive, whether it is based on ethnicity, gender, religion, age, body size, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason not related to scientific merit. It includes stalking, unnecessary touching, and unwelcome attention.
Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so use discretion to be sure that respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior. Retaliation for reporting harassment is also a violation of this policy, as is reporting an incident in bad faith.
Reporting Harassment
The MGCSC is committed to supporting a productive and safe working environment for everyone at the MGC. If an individual experiences or witnesses harassment, they should contact a member of the MGCSC to report it. All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.
If an individual experiences harassment, it is recommended that, in addition to notifying the MGCSC, they write down the details, as they may be asked to fill out a report. They are not expected to discuss the incident with the offending party. Their confidentiality will be maintained to the extent that it does not compromise the rights of others.
The MGCSC reserves the right to remove an individual from the MGC without warning or refund, prohibit attendance at future Maize Genetics Conferences, and notify the individual's employer.
This policy was modified from the AAAS code of conduct found at:
http://meetings.aaas.org/program/code-of-conduct/
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