Friendly Space Policy

We strive to ensure that everyone has a positive and safe conference experience

MCN (Museum Computer Network) is dedicated to providing a harassment-free, safe conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. Throughout the MCN conference, MCN does not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form, whether uninvited sexual language or imagery, or inappropriate comments about a participant’s gender or belief system; comments such as this are not appropriate for any conference experience. MCN Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference at the discretion of the conference organizers. 

What is harassment?

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. Harassment also includes sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwelcome following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

This applies to every person and every event at the conference

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants in the conference, including attendees, staff, organizers, volunteers, and exhibitors. Exhibitors in the exhibit hall, sponsor or vendor booths, or similar activities are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors 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. We expect participants to follow these policies at all conference venues and conference-related social events.

MCN organizers will take action to investigate harassment

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, MCN conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, ranging from warning the offender or to expelling the offender from the conference. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the conference organizers immediately. Conference organizers can be identified by special badges. Conference organizers 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.

There may be sensitive cultural content presented at MCN

Keep in mind that museum-related events can at times deal with sensitive content, ranging from visually sensitive historical subject matter (for example: historical images related to acts of genocide), subject matter that could be perceived as sexual in nature (for example: nude photography) and language (i.e. archival letters, film or audio recordings). The anti-harassment policy does not cover exposure to subject matter when in the proper context of a presentation, visit to a museum, or related educational experience, unless these materials are being used in an inappropriate and abusive manner towards conference participants (i.e. visual assault or vulgar comments made about a sculpture).

Where to turn for help

Please email MCN’s President, [email protected].