PA State Atheist/Humanist Conference
Code of Conduct
Our organizers intend to create a fun, friendly, and informative conference for all participants. This includes an atmosphere that is sex-positive and harassment-free. This Code of Conduct is intended to give all participants basic social guidelines. We expect participants to follow this Code of Conduct at all times during this event, including during any related social events.
Please do not wear heavy fragrances—including perfumes, colognes, scented shampoos, etc. Some participants have allergic reactions to scented products. No one will object to the smell of your clean body!
Please respect the sessions and the speakers. Silence (ringer and vibrate) cell phones and other electronic devices, take conversations and noisy children outside the session room, and move to the center of your row to make room for other participants.
This conference welcomes families with children and expects all participants to treat these families with courtesy and respect. Parents or guardians bringing children are responsible for their children’s behavior. Parents or guardians should be aware not all sessions may be suitable for children.
We do not tolerate harassment of or by conference participants in any form. Prohibited conduct may include but is not limited to harassment related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religious belief*, sexual images in public spaces (not related to conference sessions or materials), deliberate intimidation, stalking, harassing unauthorized photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
We have many different folks attending this conference. Blatant instances of negative and/or hateful statements or actions based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other stereotyping and harmful behaviors should be reported to conference staff immediately, or to law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
Yes means yes; no means no; and maybe means no. You are encouraged to ask for consent for all interpersonal activities during the conference. It is common courtesy to seek approval before touching someone. This includes hands on knees, backs, shoulders—and hugs.
We understand that human interaction can be complex and confusing. There are also many intelligent caring people that have great difficulty interpreting social cues that are obvious to most people due to neurological disorders (ex. Autism Spectrum Disorders). Please give each other the benefit of clearly explaining behavior you find offensive or unwelcome. However, participants asked to stop any prohibited conduct are expected to comply immediately. Anyone violating this policy may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference (without a refund) at the discretion of the conference organizers.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff immediately. Conference staff can be identified by the word “Staff”, “Organizer”, or “Volunteer” on their name badge. Our staff or designated volunteers will take a report of any harassment. The person(s) who report the harassment will be given a copy of the report, which will be turned over to senior conference officials. We also encourage our participants to contact the appropriate law enforcement agencies for any illegal activity, such as groping, physical violence, or any time there is any confusion over whether a law has been broken.
Conference staff or volunteers 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 conference. We value your attendance.
Information will be provided at the conference for all local emergency contacts.
*We recognize that derision of religion is expected at this event—and we welcome such discussion. However, the harassment of an individual for his or her religious beliefs will not be tolerated.
