91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ

The American Society for Microbiology (“91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ”) is the main forum for microbial sciences that considers and debates scientific issues in an orderly, respectful and fair manner. The 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ is committed to providing an environment that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas and promotes equal opportunities and respectful treatment for all participants. Differing perspectives are valued, and 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ welcomes the diversity of individuals and their identities. All participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, follow venue rules and alert 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ staff or security of any dangerous situations, or anyone in distress.  

91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ prohibits and will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristic(s) at its events, whether the event is in person or virtual. This applies to all 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ related events, whether in-person or virtual, such as meetings, conferences or webinars.  Protected characteristics include gender, race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation and any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.  

Harassment is defined as any conduct, whether physical, verbal, written or otherwise, that creates an environment where a reasonable person would feel unwelcome, intimidated, excluded or abused. Harassment can take the form of bullying, abusive behavior or other unwanted and unwelcome attention or conduct.  

Sexual harassment is a form of harassment that can include unwelcome sexual advances, sexual solicitation, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Repeated or ongoing pressure to engage in unwanted social, personal, romantic or sexual interactions may be a form of harassment. â€¯Additionally, inappropriate use of nudity, sexual images or similarly inappropriate images in public spaces, presentations or within online forums is considered a violation of the 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Events Code of Conduct and will not be tolerated. 

Abusive behavior (whether physical, verbal, written or otherwise) directed at any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, staff member, service provider or guest will not be tolerated. Abusive behavior can include discrimination, harassment, intimidation, threats or any other conduct that unduly disrupts the participation or safety of others. Participants must refrain from intentionally interrupting speakers, dominating discussions to exclude others or interfering with the orderly flow of an event. In virtual settings, participants must refrain from any disruptive or inappropriate behavior, including sharing offensive content or using the platform to threaten, intimidate or harm others.  

If a participant experiences or witnesses conduct that may constitute discrimination or harassment, the participant should contact 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ staff (91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ staff are identifiable by their 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ staff name badge and can be located in the registration areas) as soon as possible, or contact security if they feel unsafe. At in person meetings, conferences or other events, event security and local police may be contacted if a participant feels there may be an imminent threat to others or if the conduct is disrupting the event. 

For in person or virtual 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ events, individuals may also report complaints via 866-209-5916 or . All complaints will be responded to promptly and treated seriously and, to the extent possible, confidentially. Complaints that require broader investigation will be handled by 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ’s Ethics Committee. 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ expressly forbids any retaliation against individuals for reporting conduct that may constitute discrimination or harassment.

 

If possible, the following information should be provided when reporting conduct that may constitute abusive conduct, discrimination or harassment:  

In the event that an individual knowingly provides false information regarding a harassment situation, 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ may take similar disciplinary action. 

91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ will accept and investigate all complaints of harassment, and investigations will be conducted in an unbiased manner. Complaints should be filed as soon as possible after the incident.

All event participants also are expected to follow 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ and venue rules, along with all applicable laws and policies for the event (e.g., public health policies/recommendations). Recording or distributing any portion of 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ meetings without prior authorization is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized recording or sharing of meeting content may result in disciplinary action. This policy applies to all 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ events and is especially critical for meetings where confidentiality is paramount (e.g, Board of Directors meetings, 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Ethics Committee meetings, etc.). Additional requirements, like non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, may be required.  

91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and productive environment at all of its in-person and virtual events so that scientific issues can be considered and debated in an orderly and fair manner. All participants are expected to uphold this standard by adhering to the Events Code of Conduct.  

Violation of this code of conduct may result in the participant being asked to leave the event at which the incident occurred, without warning or refund; being barred from attending 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ events (both virtually and in person) in the future; and/or other sanctions, including, if relevant, being barred from or revocation of membership in the 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ. 

If an 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ staff member is found to be in violation, the 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Headquarters Employment Policy (Prohibition against Sexual and Other Harassment and Discrimination; which is distinct from the Ethics Review Process for 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ members and volunteers) will be followed. Action regarding an 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ staff member may include discipline up to and including termination of employment.  

This policy applies to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, contractors, volunteers and guests at 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ events.