Initial Publication Date: June 17, 2025

Code of Conduct

The ITYC Summit is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and thriving community dedicated to advancing STEM education at two-year colleges. We value the exchange of ideas through respectful dialogue in all Summit activities, including sessions, workshops, networking events, and online forums. This Code of Conduct promotes a professional and respectful atmosphere and values diverse perspectives. It is essential for creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all participants.

All participants in the ITYC Summit – including attendees, speakers, volunteers, organizers, and staff (hereinafter "participants") – are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to all Summit venues and activities, including ancillary events and social gatherings, and online forums and discussions associated with the Summit.

This Code of Conduct is intended to promote a positive and respectful environment for all and is in alignment with the American Geosciences Institute's Statement on Harassment in the Geosciences.

Expected Behavior

All participants are expected to:

  • Treat other participants with respect and consideration.
  • Be considerate, collegial, and collaborative.
  • Communicate openly and respectfully, focusing on critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Frame discussions inclusively and be mindful of how language or images may be perceived by others.
  • Avoid personal attacks and harassment directed toward any participant.
  • Obey the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, or any other venue where a participant's Summit affiliation is likely to be displayed.
  • Alert Summit organizers or venue security personnel if they notice someone in distress, perceive a potentially dangerous situation, or witness unacceptable behavior.

Unacceptable Behavior

The ITYC STEM Education Summit is committed to providing an environment where no participant feels belittled or unsafe. The following behavior will not be tolerated:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
  • Physical, written, electronic, or verbal abuse of any participant.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to, derisive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, age, medical condition, pregnancy, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender identity and expression, marital status, or veteran/military status; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or presentations; threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, organizer, staff member, or other Summit guest; inappropriate or unwelcome touch; telling sexually explicit or culturally offensive jokes; irresponsible use of alcohol or other controlled substances.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

  • Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to do so immediately.
  • Summit organizers, venue staff, security, or law enforcement personnel may take action(s) deemed necessary and appropriate. Actions may include immediate removal from the event without warning or refund.
  • Anyone experiencing or witnessing unacceptable behavior may report it to the Summit organizers.

Responding to Unacceptable Behavior

  • If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or witness such behavior, please immediately notify a Summit organizer.
  • Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety, or a criminal act, is expected to contact 911 (or the appropriate local emergency number). Those witnessing a potential criminal act should also take necessary actions to ensure their own personal safety.

Procedures in an Emergency Situation

  • Evaluate the situation and, if appropriate, call 911 (or the appropriate local emergency number) or activate a local fire alarm.
  • Do not endanger yourself. Follow the directions of venue security, law enforcement, fire department personnel, or Summit staff.
  • Initiate first aid if appropriate, if trained and necessary.
  • Be as observant as possible to provide information to emergency personnel.