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Annual Maize Genetics Meeting Code of Conduct

The Maize Genetics Meeting Steering Committee (MGMSC) is committed to making the Annual Maize Genetics Meeting (MGM) an inclusive space for sharing ideas and knowledge. The MGMSC approved the following code of conduct in March 2019.

MGM Commitment

The MGMSC 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 established protocols and processes of the meeting, and alert members of the MGMSC of any dangerous situations or anyone in distress. Speakers are expected to uphold standards of scientific integrity and professional ethics. This includes notifying the MGMSC in advance of the meeting about any possible conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. The MGMSC recognizes that there are areas of science that are controversial. The MGM 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 Meeting and related events.

The MGMSC prohibits any form of harassment, sexual or otherwise. Harassment should be reported immediately, as described below.

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 MGM has a zero tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, including any form of harassment. The MGMSC is committed to supporting a productive and safe working environment for everyone at the MGM. If the MGMSC 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.

The MGMSC reserves the right to remove an individual from the MGM without warning or refund and/or prohibit attendance at future Maize Genetics Meetings.

Please direct reports of harassment, questions, and concerns to the MGMSC Chair (Marna Yandeau-Nelson) or Co-Chair (Erin Sparks).

This policy was modified from the AAAS code of conduct found at:

http://meetings.aaas.org/program/code-of-conduct/