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NSPN provides welcoming online and in-person environments that are safe, collaborative, supportive, and productive for all. NSPN values collaboration & accountability, diversity & equity, and solidarity & inclusivity within our community and commits to ensuring these values are reflected in our broad programs and initiatives, as well as individual interactions. NSPN aims to bring people together to learn and work together for positive, productive outcomes. Any NSPN member who fails to act professionally and ethically or who fails to uphold this Community Code of Conduct will be subject to immediate action, as articulated below.
This Code of Conduct is an effort to maintain a safe space for everyone, and outlines the consequences if that space is compromised. All NSPN community members are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct, whether in online spaces and in-person events. If you are subject to unacceptable behavior, have witnessed it, or would like to seek counsel on an incident please follow the “Reporting unacceptable behavior” guidelines detailed below.
NSPN brings together people from a wide range of experiences around our shared purpose: supporting early career scientists and engineers and advocating for the role of science in decision-making. The topics engaged by this community can arouse debate, and strong disagreements may occur. However, there is a line between debate and disrespect – and if that line is crossed, the space is no longer productive. For that reason, we strive to create a positive, equitable, and open culture that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Treat everyone with respect and consideration. Be kind.
Communicate openly and thoughtfully with others and embrace the multitude of views and opinions that are different from your own.
Use the pronouns people have specified for themselves.
Speak your own narrative, from your own unique experiences. Do not speak for others.
Stop, listen, and self-reflect if you are told that someone perceives your behavior or presentation as violating the Code of Conduct.
Harassment and intimidation of any kind, including any verbal, written, or physical conduct that threatens, intimidates, or coerces another participant.
Discrimination based on gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, culture, or political persuasion.
Exposing data, images, locations or other information when you have not received explicit permission from the individual or group for use in such a way, e.g., photos or stories in presentations.
Uploading photos of others online without their consent.
Disrespectful or repeated disruption of a presentation or a discussion.
Ignoring or arguing with others’ requests to stop behavior perceived as harmful, whether or not this harm is intentional.
Violating personal space by initiating or simulating physical contact without consent, even if it seems normal.
Claiming to represent or speak on behalf of the National Science Policy Network without prior, explicit approval.
If there is an emergency and there is a threat of imminent harm, contact the proper authorities immediately.
1. Say something. If you are the target of, or witness unacceptable behavior, and do not have reason to fear for your or other’s safety, consider calling out that behavior in a calm, matter of fact manner that does not escalate the problem.
2. Report it. If you are not comfortable calling out others’ behavior for any reason and/or believe that further action is necessary, you can make a Code of Conduct report directly to NSPN leadership or staff, via email, or directly at scipolnetwork.org:
Direct reporting to NSPN leadership or staff. You can contact the appropriate Chair, Coordinator, Director, or Staff person directly.
Email the designated NSPS Standards Committee directly. A dedicated, confidential email [[email protected]] will be checked frequently by NSPN leadership and staff who will respond to you as soon as your message is read.
Report online behavior. To report any content posted on scipolnetwork.org, click the downward arrow in the upper right corner of the post and select “Report this content.”
We strongly recommend you act or report as soon as possible. For reports, please note the time, place and any other people present when the behavior occurred. NSPN will make every effort to protect the privacy of those involved.
Code of Conduct reports will be received, managed, and reviewed by the NSPN Standards Committee, and will respond to all reports within one month of receipt.
Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
NSPN leadership or staff may take the following actions at their discretion, or any deemed appropriate, for violation of the Code of Conduct:
Asking the individual to leave an in-person or online event without refund;
Barring someone from future NSPN meetings and online spaces; and
Removing eligibility for NSPN membership, leadership, or committees.
References: This Code of Conduct was shepherded and reviewed by NSPN staff and national leadership team, and largely drew from other Codes of Conduct, especially including the Citizen Science Association and American Association for the Advancement of Science.