Code of Conduct

The following Code of Conduct was developed to ensure the MCN Annual Conference remains a safe and respectful place for all attendees. Like all policies, it is a “living” document, and as such subject to refinement and expansion in the future. Last updated in July 2020. As we embark on another MCN VIRTUAL we also expect all attendees to follow our Community Guidelines to extend that sense of safety and respect across all of the platforms we engage together.

Why a Code of Conduct?

At MCN,  we want everyone to feel welcome, included, and safe throughout our conference and events. This Code of Conduct sets expectations for all participants, provides steps to report incidents, and lists possible consequences for would-be-violators. MCN does not tolerate harassment and discrimination in any form.

What you can expect when coming to MCN

All MCN conference participants—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion—can expect the event space and the conference experience to be safe, inclusive, and free of harassment. 

Does it apply to me?

Yes. Compliance with this Code of Conduct is expected from all conference participants: including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, staff, organizers, contractors, volunteers, scholars, exhibitors and sponsors.

Does it apply exclusively on the conference hotel grounds?

No. This Code of Conduct is enforceable anywhere throughout the conference week: onsite on the conference hotel grounds, and offsite at conference-related events such as Ignite, official receptions, tours, field trips, etc. It also applies on transportation vehicles provided by MCN as well as at conference-related social gatherings, even those not necessarily organized by MCN. 

Does it also apply to a virtual/online conference?

Yes, this Code of Conduct equally applies to MCN’s online events and conferences.

Behaviors NOT tolerated

Discrimination and harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Comments or actions that minimize a person’s experiences, identity, or safety
  • Deliberate misgendering or use of “dead” or rejected names
  • Deliberate “outing” of any person’s experiences or identity without their consent
  • Sustained disruption during sessions or other events or gatherings
  • Physical contact without consent or after a request to stop
  • Unwelcome sexual attention
  • Deliberate intimidation or stalking of any kind – in person or online
  • Collection (including unwanted selfies) or distribution of harassing photography or recordings
  • Threats or acts of violence
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior

Discrimination/harassment is not:

  • Feeling persecuted for your social privilege
  • “Reverse” -isms, including “reverse racism,” “reverse sexism,” and “cisphobia”
  • Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you”
  • Refusal to explain or debate social justice issues when the person being asked is put in a defensive position based on their experience, personal identity, or safety
  • Communication in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial
  • Discussion of sensitive topics
  • Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions

How do I report an incident?

  • If you have been involved or witnessed an incident during the MCN conference or event that you believe violates this Code of Conduct, you can report it to MCN in two ways:
  • The more open you are with sharing information, the more thoroughly we will be able to investigate the facts and make a determination in the case. 

Violations have consequences

MCN will expeditiously and confidentially investigate all reported incidents. We reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary to remedy disruptive behavior that renders the conference experience unsafe for participants. 

Anyone found to be in violation of this Code of Conduct may be subject to sanctions, including without limitation:

  • Require immediate compliance with MCN’s decision
  • Immediate cessation of harassing or disruptive behavior
  • Immediate removal from the annual conference without refund 
  • Temporary or permanent blacklisting for any future MCN conference(s) and/or event(s)
  • Depending on the severity of the case, report the incident to the appropriate authorities and/or the individual’s home institution, organization, or company
  • Immediate termination of membership without refund
  • Remove individual from MCN members directory

Attribution: This Code of Conduct is based on the American Alliance of Museums’ Code of Conduct and the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers. It also uses language with permission from the Nonprofit Technology Conference’s Code of Conduct.