The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, education, appearance, religion, or other group status. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled at the discretion of event organizers.
This Code of Conduct outlines expectations for all event attendees, including speakers, participants, and organizers, of any CEGA event, both online and in-person. It also details steps for reporting unacceptable behavior and outlines how CEGA staff will enforce this code.
Rationale
CEGA is dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the free expression of ideas. CEGA seeks to provide an environment in which all participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual respect. We recognize a shared responsibility to maintain that environment for the benefit of all. Some behaviors, therefore, are specifically prohibited:
- Harassment or intimidation based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, appearance, religion, or other group status. Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, following, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact. Sustained disruption or threatening speakers (verbally or physically). Sexual images in public spaces or harassing photography or recording.
- Speakers—including presenters, organizers, and audience members—are asked to frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and to be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others. While critical examination of beliefs and viewpoints does not, by itself, constitute hostile conduct or harassment, speakers are encouraged to consider framing critical comments as questions as appropriate. Similarly, use of sexual imagery or language in the context of a professional discussion might not constitute hostile conduct or harassment if it is necessary to the topic of discussion and presented respectfully.
- Participants of virtual events may not share private meeting links on social media or with other large groups (attendance will be limited to those who have registered) or share screenshots, audio recordings, or video captures of closed events without consent from all featured attendees.
Enforcement
We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities. Participants who violate these rules or who are asked to stop inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately. Event organizers maintain the right to take any action to ensure the event remains a welcoming environment for all participants, including expulsion from the event.
Reporting
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, or if you believe a harassment problem exists, please report it as soon as possible to any CEGA staff member. CEGA staff are required to immediately relay all reports to Center leadership. If the risk of a conflict of interest exists with event organizers, please communicate reports to the Director of Communications or one of the Faculty Directors. Reports of sexual harassment or violence made to UC Berkeley staff may be reported to the the Office of the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD).
When submitting a report, please do your best to describe the incident or behavior, including the offender’s identity, timing, location, circumstances surrounding the incident, other people involved in the incident, if there are any public records available (emails, chats, images, etc.), whether the incident is ongoing, and any other information that can help us make an appropriate decision.
Resources
The UC Berkeley PATH to Care Office (confidential advocate office) offers 24-hour urgent support. The number for the Care Line is (510) 643-2005.
References
The language in this policy was adapted from the Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science (SIPS) 2017 Conference Code of Conduct and the Invest in Open Infrastructure (IOI) Code of Conduct (with permission from conference organizers), which in turn are based on language provided by the Geek Feminism wiki and American Library Association.
