Purpose: To ensure the safety and dignity of all who participate in Society events and communication platforms

I. Applicability

1. This Code applies to all chapter, regional, and international events, including virtual events, as well as communication platforms, including social media accounts.
2. This Code applies to all who participate in and/or attend Society-sponsored events and communication platforms, including invited speakers, vendors, and personal guests of participants/attendees.

II. Community Standards

1. Participants/attendees should strive to promote exemplary character and good fellowship in upholding community standards at Society events/platforms.
2. Violations of community standards include:
   1. Any acts of unwelcome physical contact, including physical violence, groping, fondling, or sexual assault;
   2. Discrimination, unwelcome comments, and/or exclusionary behaviors related to, but not limited to, an individual’s disability, age, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, geographic, citizenship status, race, ethnicity, religion, and/or sexual orientation;
   3. Intimidation, stalking, or making threats;
   4. Making video and/or audio recording of others without consent;
   5. Any other violations of applicable municipal, state, and/or national laws, in addition to violations of other Society policies or those of the home institution and/or employer of the participant/attendee.
3. Anyone who has been dismissed for disciplinary reasons or is currently serving a disciplinary suspension from an educational institution and/or employer may be barred from Society events/platforms.

III. Reporting Violations of Community Standards

1. Participants/attendees who experience or witness violations of community standards shall report the incident to the Executive Director, any Central Office staff member, any Board member, or faculty advisor.
2. Any Central Office staff member or Board member who receives such a report shall notify the Executive Director promptly.
   1. Where the report concerns allegations against the Executive Director, including failure to intervene to prevent violations by others, the person receiving the report shall instead notify the Executive Committee.
3. Participants/attendees who experience or witness violations of community standards may also report the violation to law enforcement or other appropriate bodies.
   1. The Society shall only report violations to law enforcement with the consent of participant/attendee experiencing the violation unless the Executive Director (or Executive Committee if an allegation concerns the Executive Director) determines such a report is necessary to protect the health and safety of others.
   2. The Society shall offer to assist the participant/attendee experiencing the violation in identifying resources for pursuing disciplinary action and/or seeking supportive measures.
4. Where student members are alleged to have experienced and/or committed violations of community standards, the Society shall report the alleged violation to the students’ faculty advisors, unless a faculty advisor is accused of the violation at issue or other extenuating circumstances apply.
5. The 2008 Whistleblower Policy provides protection to all who file reports of violations in good faith.

IV. Consequences of Violating Community Standards

1. The Executive Director (or Executive Committee if an allegation concerns the Executive Director) or designee shall investigate the allegation and, if found credible, impose one or more of the following sanctions as appropriate:
   1. Provide guidance on appropriate behavior, including a warning of more serious sanctions should the behavior continue;
   2. Removal from the event/platform;
   3. Temporary suspension or permanent ban from attending/participating in future events/platforms;
   4. Alerting the home institution and/or employer of the person committing the violation of the sanction imposed, although the specifics of the violation shall not be shared unless the Executive Director determines such a report is necessary to protect the health and safety of others.
2. Additional sanctions may be imposed depending upon the status of person meriting sanction.
   1. Misconduct by Society members is governed by Bylaw 10, Section VII. Suspension or Termination of Membership.
   2. Misconduct by Board members is governed by Bylaw I, Section III. Removal of Board Members and the 2009 Removal of Board Members Policy.
   3. Misconduct by Central Office staff is governed by Society policies and, where not inconsistent with Society policies, those of Northern Illinois University.

V. Appeals

1. Sanctions may be appealed on the grounds that the violation did not occur or that the sanction is disproportionate to the violation.
2. Appeals must be made in writing to the Board President within 30 days of notification of sanction.
3. The Board President or another Board member designated by the President shall review the appeal and issue a written decision within 14 days to maintain, alter or eliminate the sanction.