AGCI Code of Conduct

AGCI is dedicated to creating inclusive and nurturing forums where diverse, interdisciplinary communities can thrive. All AGCI staff, affiliates, partners, contractors, workshop participants and guests are expected to adhere to standards of expected behavior (see below), and must treat others with respect regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, level of experience, political affiliation, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, as well as any other characteristic protected under state or federal law.

---

Expected Behavior

• Share in our time and space together – actively listen, contribute, and learn.
• Find ways to support the work and ideas of others through collaboration, constructive dialogue, and respectful feedback.
• Address disagreements respectfully. Disagreements should be based solely on differences in professional ideas, and not on differences in personal identities or backgrounds.
• Practice awareness and respect for place (including local environment, wildlife, and laws). 
• Attribute and acknowledge the contributions of others in accordance with standards of Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research. 
• If you are aware of unacceptable behavior, including harassment, alert AGCI staff or the appropriate authorities (see Reporting section below).  

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated and will be responded to immediately (see Consequences section). Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Promoting or conducting acts of discrimination, harassment including sexual harassment, bullying, stalking, verbal or physical abuse, and intimidation of any kind (including on social media)
• Offensive or unwanted comments relating to personal background or identity including gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, level of experience, political affiliation, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, as well as any other characteristic protected under state or federal law
• Repeated misuse of another’s pronouns
• Inappropriate or unwanted displays of nudity, pornography, or sexual imagery
• Disruptive or alarming behavior or comments
• Misuse or unapproved publishing of others’ private information or research

Consequences

• Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
• AGCI staff (or their designee) or security/local police may take action deemed necessary and appropriate, including a formal warning or immediate removal from the event, program without warning.
• AGCI staff reserve the right to prohibit attendance at future programming.
• AGCI staff may reserve the right to notify the offender’s home institution of violation(s) to the code of conduct.     

Reporting

If at any time before, during, or after AGCI programming, you become aware of unacceptable behavior against yourself or others, please advocate immediately for help. In case of unlawful behavior you may wish to contact local law enforcement immediately by calling 911.

If you wish to file a complaint or report with AGCI staff, please contact AGCI’s Program Director:

• Emily Jack-Scott, ejs@agci.org, +1 267-242-0797

If you wish to file a complaint or report about AGCI staff, you may prefer to contact AGCI’s Human Resources contact:

• Lindy Alfaro, lalfaro@horizonhrconsulting.com, +1 864-580-6802 

A formal written report may include the following information:

• Name(s) and affiliation(s) or all involved parties, including witnesses. If unknown, please include any possible identifying information.
• A description of the violation(s) to the code of conduct
• Relevant documentation of the violation(s)

AGCI staff will investigate informal and formal reports of violation(s) and will respond to all parties detailing AGCI’s findings and recommended actions. Details will be treated confidentially unless, due to the seriousness of a complaint, it is deemed necessary to involve a third party.