IBNS Code of ConductCommitment to DiversityThe spirit of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society has always been to encourage outreach across the globe, to bring science to every corner of life, and in doing so, to enhance our understanding of science for everyone. Here, we extend this approach to the individual in that we seek to have a diverse representation across all levels of our Society. It is for this reason and the need for inclusivity in our time, that we reaffirm our commitment to equality by welcoming people from all walks of life, irrespective of religion, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender status, mental health status, able bodiedness, or political views. This welcome encompasses full participation in the Society, at every level, from the meeting itself to committee representation, to outreach to communities, and to advocacy for science. This commitment is also cognizant of the changing culture of educational/academic /research institutions and the awareness that our definitions of inclusivity may be expanded over time to reflect a changing population and a changing world. It is with this awareness/perspective that we pledge to maintain a sense of belonging and security/safety for all members of our community. IBNS Code of ConductThe International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (“IBNS”) continues to be dedicated to providing a safe environment for all participants and attendees at all IBNS-sponsored events. IBNS welcomes people from all walks of life, irrespective of socioeconomic background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender status, mental health status, religion, able bodiedness, national origin, or political views, or any other basis protected by federal or pertinent state laws. IBNS does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment and is committed to enforcing this Code of Conduct (the “Code”) at every IBNS-sponsored event, including its annual meeting. IBNS upholds the philosophy of equal opportunity for all and fair treatment to all, enabling the encouragement of free expression, and exchange of scientific and educational ideas. This Code is an expression of the values held by IBNS and its commitment to hosting a safe and productive environment for all attendees and participants. This Code is not in any way descriptive of legal obligations but outlines the behaviors that will not be tolerated at IBNS-sponsored events, and the reporting procedures, and potential disciplinary actions for behavior inconsistent with the Code. Harassment comes in many forms, none of which will be tolerated, including verbal, physical, and visual conduct that can create an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment. Specific examples include derogatory comments, degrading or obscene words, demeaning statements, or offensive gestures targeted at someone’s race, ethnicity, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, ancestry, perceived disability, or any other basis protected by federal or pertinent laws and ordinances. Sexual harassment explicitly includes, but is not limited to unwelcome conduct that is sexual in nature, such as unwanted advances, innuendos, proposition, leering, or sexually suggestive comments. Such harassment can be conducted by any person, irrespective of sex or gender. Consensual contact can be made, but can become harassment when consent is withdrawn by one party. Any form of harassment will not be tolerated. Although the above list is not exhaustive, IBNS employs a “zero-tolerance” policy and reserves the right to discipline infractions deemed to be harassment at IBNS-related events even if not spelled out herein. Individuals can report an incident as either a witness to inappropriate behavior or having experienced inappropriate behavior themselves. To report an incident, contact the IBNS Central Office and request to talk to a member of the Ethics and Diversity Committee (a committee member can be specified, if desired, or they can be contacted directly through their institutional email address) or the IBNS President. Anyone reporting incidents are not required or expected to discuss these incidents with the alleged offender. If the harassment is an immediate or serious threat to those present or to the public, security should be notified immediately. IBNS will take steps toward promptly and completely addressing any concerns raised and will correct such conduct. IBNS will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of the reporting individual and will not deliberately share any personal information. The following steps will be taken in any investigation: 1) document the event; 2) interview the complainant; 3) conduct additional interviews if necessary and/or possible, including the alleged offender; 4) document findings; and 5) inform the complainant of findings. Corrective measures will be taken against any person found to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this Code. The following disciplinary actions may be taken by IBNS; 1) private reprimand; 2) removal from the meeting without warning or refund; 3) implement conditions upon future IBNS attendances; 4) restriction from future IBNS meetings; 5) expulsion from the society; 6) potential reporting to the accused individual’s home institution or employer; and 7) potential reporting to the proper authorities. The complainant remains free to report any incident to the relevant authorities throughout. Importantly, IBNS will not tolerate any form of retaliation and any retaliatory behavior will be subject to further investigation and discipline. IBNS elected officials, such as President and Councilors, and awardees are expected to adhere to the highest standards outlined in this Code, and strict disciplinary measures will be taken in the instance of a Code violation.
Enforcement ProceduresEnforcement procedures for dealing with violations of the IBNS Meeting Code of Conduct following a report Contact Information: Contact the IBNS Central Office and request to talk to a member of the Ethics and Diversity Committee (a committee member can be specified, if desired, or they can be contacted directly through their institutional email address) or the IBNS President. All registered participants, staff, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and guests have agreed to abide by the Code of Conduct. IBNS meeting attendees who invite a guest must ensure that their guest is familiar with, and abides by, the Code of Conduct. Violations of the Code of Conduct by a guest could also result in sanctions for the IBNS member who invited them to the meeting. Our official conference policies also protect the IBNS and its members against liability. The President, Ethics & Diversity Committee Chair, and at least one additional Ethics & Diversity Committee Member will determine sanctions for a documented incident upon receiving a confidential incident report and conducting an unbiased investigation of the incident (see Reporting Procedures document for protocol). If serious enforcement procedures are recommended (beyond requests to stop the behaviors), the identity of the accused should be made known to the Executive Councilors only after those sanctions have been determined. The President, Ethics & Diversity Committee Chair, and at least one additional Ethics & Diversity Committee Member should be involved in discussions of an incident. If the accused individual is the President or Ethics & Diversity Committee Chair, the IBNS President-Elect will serve in his or her place to determine sanctions. The majority must agree on the appropriate sanction(s). In addition to a demand to stop the behavior, sanctions may include (but are not limited to): Examples of behaviors resulting in formal documentation of the incident and a request to stop the behavior:
These behaviors also include those that are presented in a joking manner. Examples of behaviors resulting in possible removal from the current meeting and formal documentation of the incident(s):
These types of behaviors will also result in removal from Society leadership positions (as relevant). Examples of behaviors resulting in a ban from future meetings in addition to removal from the current meeting and formal documentation of the incident(s):
These types of behaviors will also result in removal from Society leadership positions (as relevant) and potential reporting to the accused individual’s home institution or employer Removal from the conference should be carried out by at least two Ethics & Diversity Committee Members (which may include the President and Ethics & Diversity Committee Chair), and security personnel should be called if someone refuses to leave the premises. Enforcement procedures will be imposed confidentially (e.g., meeting removal will be carried out as discreetly as possible) and any details of a report that are made public will be anonymized. The accused will also be notified of their right to appeal, in writing, to members of the IBNS Executive Council and Ethics and Diversity Committee. Recommended sanctions must stand until the appeals process is complete. Enforcement procedures adopted from The Council of Evolution Societies:https://www.evolutionmeetings.org/uploads/4/8/8/0/48804503/reporting.pdf. |