Code of Conduct
The Midwest Phylogenetics Workshop is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and professional environment for learning and working. The code of conduct applies to all scientific and social activities during the workshop, inside and outside the classroom, in person and online. And it applies to all participants, students and instructors.
The workshop has a zero tolerance policy with respect to personal or sexual harassment in any form. We expect all participants to:
- Respect the rights of others and treat one another with dignity and respect at all times
- Respect and comply with federal, state, and municipal laws
- Demonstrate courtesy, honesty, and integrity
- Take appropriate measures to help those in need
If you have experienced or observed a violation of the code of conduct, please communicate this to course instructors and/or field station staff. They will ensure that appropriate action is taken. When taking a personal report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other workshop staff to ensure your report is managed properly.
Inappropriate behavior includes:
- Verbal comments that have the effect of excluding people on the basis of membership of any specific group (including groups defined by gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, national or ethnic origin, language group, religion, age, or economic status)
- Insults or put-downs, even when framed as jokes
- Anything that excludes, makes unwelcome, belittles, or bullies
- Excessive swearing
- Sustained disruption of events
- Publication of private communication without consent
- Sexual or violent images in public spaces
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
- Harassing photography or recording
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Unwelcome sexual attention
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
If a participant violates the code of conduct, workshop organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all other participants. Participants who are asked to stop any inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in behavior that violates this code of conduct, the organizers may warn the offender, ask them to leave the workshop (without financial compensation), or investigate the code of conduct violation and impose appropriate sanctions.