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 2019.
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 MGC has a zero tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, including any form of harassment. The MGCSC is committed to supporting a productive and safe working environment for everyone at the MGC. If the MGCSC receives an allegation of harassment or it has any reason to believe harassment or other form of intimidating or hostile behavior is happening, the committee will take the necessary steps to ensure that the matter is promptly addressed.
To facilitate reporting of violations to the code of conduct, we have contracted with AllVoices, a 3rd party company, to allow online, anonymous reporting. Reports can be made here: https://maizegenetics.allvoices.co/.
Anonymous reports will be routed to a small group of the maize genetics steering committee; we will do our utmost to ensure that all reports are considered seriously and that reasonable action is taken if necessary. More information about the reporting system can be found on their website at the above link.
The MGCSC reserves the right to remove an individual from the MGC without warning or refund and/or prohibit attendance at future Maize Genetics Conferences.
This policy was modified from the AAAS code of conduct found at:
http://meetings.aaas.org/program/code-of-conduct/
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