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Social Media Policy

HAPS values and embraces the power of social networking to advance the mission and goals of HAPS through social media. HAPS also values the interactions with our members, the larger community, and many other organizations that social media affords. HAPS supports and affirms the principles of academic freedom and the First Amendment rights of our volunteers, members, and employees/managing company to give voice to topics of concern through the use of personal social media accounts.
 
HAPS strives to create a social media community where everyone is welcomed, free from oppression, harassment, attack, and negativity. To ensure that social media interactions meet these expectations, please abide by the following rules:
 
1. Each of us brings unique experiences and perspectives to our daily interactions. We will not always fully agree on all topics. Be respectful in all posts on HAPS social media or personal social media when tagging HAPS. We do not all have to agree, but we expect everyone to respect  personal and professional differences.To cultivate a respectful environment, please consider the following (adopted from Virginia Shea’s The Core Rules of Netiquette and Bow Valley College):

  • Remember the human. Remember that behind every screen is a human being with independent thoughts and feelings. It is easy to misunderstand or be rude to others when you are not interacting with them in person.
  • Adhere to the same standards of behavior as in “real life. This is a reminder that the ethical standards and laws that govern our society extend to cyberspace as well. This includes harassment and bullying, copyright regulations, and privacy.
  • Help keep flame wars under control. “Flaming” refers to verbal disagreements that occur between users in contexts such as message boards. They are often a result of strongly held opinions and emotions. Do not monopolize online discussion with long or offensive commentary.  
  • Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes. Give other users the benefit of the doubt and consider that they may come from a different background or have less experience on the Internet. Do not be rude when you encounter someone’s mistake — always respond with courtesy and respect.

2. Be accurate in your social media communications (including types of links and information you share)
 
3. Whenever possible, Review posts for accuracy, professional tone, and intention before posting.      
 
4. Be the first to respond to your own mistakes. If you make an error in your posting, it should be corrected quickly. When modifying an earlier post, it also should be noted that a modification has been made. 
 
Because anyone’s online interactions, posts and comments about HAPS can reflect on the organization’s public perception and reputation, HAPS has adopted the following set of criteria that all members, volunteers, and employees are expected to observe when interacting on social media platforms (including but not limited to HAPS Listservs, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Instagram, LinkedIn, and news media outlets):
 
1. The following social media posts on HAPS social media platforms or that include a reference to HAPS are strictly prohibited:
Use of speech that  is libelous- or, slanderous of, or intentionally promotes discrediting views about or against, HAPS, its members, or employees .

  • The use of speech that intentionally harms the reputation of HAPS.
  • The use of speech  that promotes or constitutes oppression, harassment (sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical), or hate.
  • The posting of or use of speech that intentionally and knowingly promotes violence against any individual or group.

2. The dissemination of confidential or proprietary HAPS information in any public or social media platform prior to the Board of Directors or Executive Director’s release of the information, or without the written consent of the Board of Directors or Executive Director, is strictly prohibited.

3. Sharing of images depicting proprietary research or presentations during HAPS-sponsored events on personal or HAPS sponsored social media platforms must meet acceptable use guidelines as stated within the Professional Presentation/Poster Release Policy
 
HAPS reserves the right to remove content or to request the removal of content that is deemed by HAPS in its sole discretion to violate the Social Media Policy or to be threatening, obscene,  in violation of intellectual property rights or privacy laws, or otherwise injurious,  illegal, or not otherwise consistent with civil discourse. Any violation of the above strictly prohibited interactions may result in the removal of the communication in any format, the individual being blocked from the social media platform, or other actions deemed necessary by the Board of Directors and Executive Director.
     
To report a violation of the HAPS Social Media Policy please contact the HAPS Executive Director or any member of the Board of Directors and report the post (please include the platform the post appears, date of posting, and why you believe it violates HAPS Social Media policy). The Executive Director or Board designee will contact the Communications Committee Chairperson and with their input review the HAPS Social Media Policy to confirm a violation of policy has occurred. If warranted, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the above.

Facebook Community Rules
 
Rationale: HAPS does not have a robust set of Facebook community rules. There is currently only 1 community rule. Be engaged. The vagueness of the current community rule does not allow for effective evaluation of posts that may be offensive, harmful, or misrepresent the HAPS brand. The proposed community rules reflect the expectations of the HAPS Social Media Policy and will support the development of respectful engagement and interactions within the online community. The Community Rules are needed because not all community members are members of HAPS. Membership is not a requirement to join to HAPS Facebook Community. Facebook is specified because it is currently the only social media platform that permits closed communities groups where members can post and directly interact. Our other platforms do not have this capability. 
 
1. Be engaged: We encourage our members to post research, article links, funny memes, like posts, comment, and even share posts. 
 
2. Be Kind and Courteous: We’re all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
 
3. Refrain from posting political or religious content: We value everyone’s perspective and opinions. As a science and teaching organization we encourage all posts to be rooted in science and pedagogy. 
 
4. No Hate Speech or Bullying: Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and degrading comments about race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.
 
5. Respond to Your Own Mistakes If you make an error in your posting, it should be corrected. When modifying an earlier post, it also should be noted that a modification has been made.  

6. Members’  Posts: Posts made by members may not reflect the values, views, positions, or policies of HAPS.

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