Purpose

The summit organizers are committed to enabling a space at which everyone can participate in an inclusive, respectful, healthy and safe environment and be treated with fairness and dignity.

Applicability

The Code of Conduct applies to all of the events during the Summit, which shall include meetings, conferences, receptions, among others. 

The Code of Conduct applies to all persons attending the Summit. 

The Code of Conduct supplements, and does not affect, the application of other relevant policies, regulations, rules and laws, including laws regulating the premises in which the event takes place. Participants have the duty to respect the local laws and regulations. 

Scope of the Code of Conduct 

Participants must:

• Treat all other participants with respect and dignity. Any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, is prohibited (see section “Prohibition of harassment, including sexual harassment”).

• Follow all applicable rules and procedures of the event, including any relevant health protocols. 

• Cooperate and comply with requests and instructions from staff issued in their official capacity regarding the use of facilities and access to and conduct within the venues of the event.

• Take still photographs and make audio or video recordings only in accordance with specific guidelines. See Guidelines for Participants for more information. 

• Refrain from using the summit venue for unauthorized activities. 

Prohibition of Harassment, including Sexual Harassment 

Prohibited conduct

Harassment is any improper or unwelcome conduct that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation to another person. Harassment in any form because of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, national origin, political affiliation, age, religion or any other reason is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:

• Making racial slurs and using any form of hate speech or engaging in hateful behaviors 

• Denying a person’s gender identity and pronouns they use

• Making assumptions or generalizations about someone's abilities or limitations based on their disability or perceived disability

• Making derogatory or demeaning comments that belittles or discriminates against someone because of their gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, national origin, political affiliation, age, religion, etc.

• Disrespecting people’s boundaries as requested or accommodation needs 

Sexual harassment is a specific type of prohibited conduct. Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation. Sexual harassment may involve any conduct of a verbal, nonverbal or physical nature, including written and electronic communications, and may occur between persons of the same or different genders. This includes but is not limited to:

• Making derogatory or demeaning comments about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity

• Name-calling or using slurs with a gender/sexual connotation

• Making sexual comments about appearance, clothing or body parts

• Rating a person’s sexuality

• Repeatedly asking a person for dates or asking for sex

• Staring in a sexually suggestive manner

• Unwelcome touching, including pinching, patting, rubbing or purposefully brushing up against a person

• Making inappropriate sexual gestures, such as pelvic thrusts

• Sharing sexual or lewd anecdotes or jokes

• Sending sexually suggestive communications in any format

• Sharing or displaying sexually inappropriate images or videos in any format

• Attempted or actual sexual assault, including rape
  

Prohibition of Retaliation

Threats, intimidation or any other form of retaliation against a participant who has made a complaint or provided information in support of a complaint are prohibited. The organizers will take appropriate action needed to prevent and respond to retaliation, in accordance with its applicable regulations, rules and policies.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of this Code of Conduct will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity and nature of the violation, the following consequences may be enforced:

1. Verbal Warning

• An informal warning to cease the inappropriate behavior.

2. Formal Warning

• A written warning documenting the violation and the required corrective actions.

3. Expulsion from the Event

• Immediate removal from the event without the right to return or receive a refund.

4. Notification to Authorities

• In cases of illegal activity or severe misconduct, local authorities will be notified.

All decisions regarding consequences will be made by the event organizers in consultation with relevant stakeholders and will be final.

Starting a Complaint:

If you need to start a complaint, please write an email with as many details as possible and send it to: sirgecoalition@gmail.com.