Hi, The Evergreen Oversight Board has been considering [1], [2] the adoption of a formal code of conduct and anti-harassment policies for Evergreen events, including the conference and hack-a-ways. This proposed policy would cover any event that operated under the sanction of the Evergreen project in its capacity as a member of the Software Freedom Conservancy.
The policy is not being proposed in response to any incidents that are known to have occurred at Evergreen events. However, a number of other organizations, including both technical conferences and the American Library Association, have adopted similar policies as part of an effort to insure that their events are welcome to all and that there are clear avenues of redress should harassment occur. We are looking for input from the general community on the desirability and shape of such a policy. For more background on the issues involved, I highly encourage reading the background links supplied at http://list.evergreen-ils.org/pipermail/eg-oversight-board/2014-March/000712.html. The text of the draft policy follows. This draft has also been submitted to Conservancy to get their input as well. ---START OF POLICY--- Evergreen Event Code of Conduct All delegates, speakers, sponsors and volunteers at any Evergreen event are required to agree with the following code of conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. The Quick Version Evergreen event organizers are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any event venue, including talks. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the event organizers. The Less Quick Version Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Sponsors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment. If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. Event organizers 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. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of event staff immediately. Event staff can be identified by a clearly marked "STAFF" badge, button or shirt. Event staff will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance. 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! This code of conduct is borrowed, slightly modified, from the folks at GopherCon, who borrowed it from JSConf, with permission. ---END OF POLICY--- [1] http://list.evergreen-ils.org/pipermail/eg-oversight-board/2014-January/000650.html [2] http://list.evergreen-ils.org/pipermail/eg-oversight-board/2014-March/000712.html Regards, Galen -- Galen Charlton Manager of Implementation Equinox Software, Inc. / The Open Source Experts email: [email protected] direct: +1 770-709-5581 cell: +1 404-984-4366 skype: gmcharlt web: http://www.esilibrary.com/ Supporting Koha and Evergreen: http://koha-community.org & http://evergreen-ils.org
