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HAPS Code of Conduct

HAPS is a friendly organization based on respect for everyone.  We expect people engaging with HAPS in any way to be kind, considerate, and respectful to others. There is a list of some ways in which a person can violate this principle at the bottom of this section, but fundamentally, just be nice.  

Having a problem with someone and need help working out a solution?  Contact a HAPS board member, steering committee chair, or employee, and we will follow up.  Or send an email to info@hapsconnect.org.

Individuals are expected to live up to both the spirit and the letter of our conduct expectations in all HAPS-related activities. 

Unacceptable Behaviors Include:

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant
  • Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or other personal characteristics
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images or descriptions in public spaces (including presentations, presentation slides, or posters)
  • Deliberate intimidation, micro-aggression, stalking, or following
  • Harassing photography of any kind
  • Photographing slides of oral presentations and/or posters without the express permission of the presenter/author
  • Recording of sessions or events without the express permission of the presenter/author
  • Disruption of scientific sessions or other events
  • Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact
  • Physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping)
  • Real or implied threat of physical, professional, or financial harm
  • Retaliation against an individual for reporting a violation of this Code
  • Intentionally filing a false report is a violation of this Code
  • Signs of impairment due to intoxication and/or influence of non-prescription drugs

Addressing Unacceptable Behavior:

Any person who has been subjected to Unacceptable Behavior should, to the extent they feel comfortable doing so, confront the perpetrator and ask that they cease such conduct. Anyone asked to stop an Unacceptable Behavior is expected to comply immediately.

Alternatively, any person who has been subjected to, or personally witnessed, Unacceptable Behavior may report such conduct to a member of the HAPS Board of Directors, the HAPS Executive Director, HAPS Staff, or Security, when appropriate. 

For in person events, notwithstanding the foregoing, any person who has been the victim of an assault or other criminal behavior, or who believes their physical safety is at risk, should immediately call 911 or contact event security. 

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior:

Unacceptable Behavior from any participant is not condoned and may result in disciplinary action.

If Unacceptable Behavior is reported while a HAPS activity is ongoing, the HAPS Board of Directors, the HAPS Executive Director, Staff, or Security, when appropriate, may take any action they deem necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal of the violator from the activity without warning or refund. HAPS also may prohibit the violator from participation in  any future HAPS activity. Violators may also face additional consequences such as termination of Society membership and reporting the unacceptable behavior to the violator’s employer and to appropriate authorities.