Code of Conduct

Who does this code of conduct apply to?
This code of conduct applies to any individual participating in AVDS activities, initiatives, or communications.

Core Values

1.1 Equity and Inclusion
Within AVDS, equity and inclusion are our focus. We use a racial equity lens to assess the current institutional culture, determine cultural values and processes incongruent with racial equity, and develop strategic pathways for transforming cultural norms and practices to create racially inclusive environments for students, staff, and faculty.

1.2 Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is the foundation on which trust grows and develops and allows for accountability. AVDS aims to be transparent and communicate to our community about AVDS initiatives in order for the community to hold us accountable to them. Through this, we hope to build a relationship of reciprocal transparency, accountability, and trust with our community. We encourage members of our community to communicate with us about their needs and concerns in cultivating an anti-racist environment.

1.3 Harm Reduction
It is important to us that every individual can participate in a welcoming and respectful environment when communicating with each other. Although our group discusses topics that are inherently challenging, communicating in a way that considers the wellbeing of others is paramount and expected.

Expected behavior

2.1 Be respectful
Treat others with respect and dignity. Be sensitive to other perspectives, values and beliefs. Take responsibility for your impact and mistakes. If someone says they have been harmed through your words or actions, listen carefully, apologize sincerely and correct the behavior going forward.

2.2 Be direct but professional
Conversations about racial equity and systemic racism are difficult. For some of us, it may be the first time speaking about these topics. As such, disagreements and varying viewpoints may occur. It is important that we create a space where people can speak truthfully and respectfully. We expect that all individuals consider the wellbeing of others and contribute constructively.

2.3 Be inclusive
Encourage all voices. Be aware of how much time is taken by dominant members of the group. Provide alternative ways to contribute or participate when possible.

Unacceptable behavior

3.1 Violence and Threats of Violence
Violence and threats of violence are not acceptable - online or offline. This includes incitement of violence toward any individual, including encouraging a person to commit self-harm. This also includes posting or threatening to post other people’s personally identifying information (“doxxing”) online.

3.2 Personal Attacks
It is not okay to insult, demean or belittle others. Attacking someone for their opinions, beliefs and ideas is not acceptable. It is important to speak directly when we disagree and when we think we need to improve, but such discussions must be conducted respectfully and professionally, remaining focused on the issue at hand.

3.3 Derogatory Language & Imagery
Hurtful or harmful language and imagery related to background, family status, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, native language, age, ability, race and/or ethnicity, caste, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, geographic location, and any other attributes is not acceptable. This includes deliberately referring to someone by a gender that they do not identify with, and/or questioning the legitimacy of an individual’s gender identity. If you’re unsure if a word or image is derogatory, don’t use it. This also includes repeated subtle and/or indirect discrimination; when asked to stop, stop the behavior in question.

3.4 Unwelcome Sexual Attention or Physical Contact
Unwelcome sexual attention or unwelcome physical contact is not acceptable. This includes sexualized comments, jokes or imagery in interactions, communications or presentation materials, as well as inappropriate touching, groping, or sexual advances. This includes touching a person without permission, including sensitive areas such as their hair, pregnant stomach, mobility device (wheelchair, scooter, etc) or tattoos. This also includes physically blocking or intimidating another person. Physical contact or simulated physical contact (such as emojis like “kiss”) without affirmative consent is not acceptable. This includes sharing or distribution of sexualized images or text.

Violation of the code of conduct
Instances of unacceptable behavior may be reported directly by contacting AVDS leadership at [email protected] or clicking here to submit a form. All reports of misconduct are confidential and can be as anonymous as the reporter is comfortable with. Those who violate the code of conduct will be dealt with in a manner that is deemed necessary and appropriate for the circumstances, which may include temporary or permanent removal from AVDS activities or initiatives.

LICENSE AND ATTRIBUTION: A large portion of this content within this document was adapted from the Racial Equity and Inclusion Center and Oregon Health and Science University. Some content within this document was adapted by the Racial Equity and Inclusion center with permission from PREreview using CC-BY 4.0 license. Adapted content from PREreview is found within the following sections: Expected Behavior, Unacceptable Behaviors, and Violation of code of conduct.