Code of Conduct

We value the participation of all attendees to the Bash Symposium, and want everyone to have an enjoyable time. Accordingly, we expect all participants to behave respectfully and professionally throughout the conference. We are dedicated to providing an harassment-free experience for everybody.

In the sections below, we clarify our expectations. Thank you for making the Bash Symposium an enjoyable and fulfilling experience!

  • Code of Conduct

    The Bash Symposium organizing committee is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks and any of the conference-related activities (reception, dinner and breaks). Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.

    Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

    • Disparaging comments (verbal or written) related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion
    • Sexual images in public spaces, or displayed in talks or posters
    • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
    • Harassing photography or recording
    • Sustained disruption of talks or other events
    • Inappropriate physical contact
    • Unwelcome sexual attention
    • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour; or ignoring or delegitimizing another persons discomfort in a situation

    Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.

  • Reporting

    If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, or you would like to tell us about any other concern (including accessibility), please report it as soon as possible in one of the following ways:

    In person to one of the following organizers: Rachael Livermore, Natalie Gosnell, Stefano Meschiari, Gregory Mace.

    When taking a personal report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we'll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won't be asked to confront anyone.

    Via email to our chairs (bashfest_info@astro.as.utexas.edu).

    Make an anonymous report at https://bashsymposium15.wufoo.com/forms/anonymous-report/.

    We can't follow up an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent a recurrence.

    Please note that because of UT mandatory reporting rules on Title IX matters, we may not be able to maintain full confidentiality.

    Our organizing committee will be happy to help you contact hotel/venue security, local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

  • Enforcement

    Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior during the conference and in any of the related spaces (meal breaks, reception, dinner, and other related activities, both online and offline) are expected to comply immediately.

    If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, the organizing committee retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the conference, with no refund.

    The organizing committee may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities. We think people should follow these rules outside event activities too, both offline and online. We will support the victims of harassment and will match their courage by taking their concern seriously, investigating, and taking appropriate action.

  • Credits

    This Code of Conduct was forked from the example http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment/Policy, and includes parts adapted from the https://us.pycon.org/2014/about/code-of-conduct/.

    Rachael Livermore and Stefano Meschiari
    On behalf of the Bash Symposium organizing committee