Code of Conduct

The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) is committed to diversity, equity, and providing a safe and productive meeting environment that fosters open dialogue and the free expression of ideas, free of harassment, discrimination, and hostile conduct. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and maintain that environment for the benefit of all. SSP promotes equal opportunities and treatment for all participants, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical or mental ability, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or nationality. All participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, follow venue rules, and alert staff or security of any dangerous situations or anyone in distress. The SSP Annual Meeting can serve as an effective forum to consider and debate relevant viewpoints in an orderly, respectful, and fair manner. The policies herein apply to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, contractors, volunteers, and guests at the SSP Annual Meeting and related events, including off-site social events (involving meeting participants or staff) and online venues. SSP prohibits any form of harassment, sexual or otherwise.

What is Harassment?

Harassment includes speech, gestures or behavior that is not welcome or is personally offensive, whether it is based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical or mental ability, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or nationality. It includes deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwelcome attention, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate/unnecessary physical contact and unprofessional use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so use discretion to be sure that respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior.

Within the context of professional practices of scholarly communications, critical examination of beliefs and viewpoints does not, by itself, constitute hostile conduct or harassment. Similarly, use of sexual imagery or language in the context of a professional discussion or presentation might not constitute harassment.

Reporting

Any individual who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment should contact the SSP Executive Director (mdolechek@sspnet.org or 913-486-4185) or other SSP Staff (info@sspnet.org) or use a venue phone and ask for security if they feel unsafe. It is recommended that, in addition to notifying SSP staff, they write down the details, as they may be asked to fill out a report. They are not expected to discuss the incident with the offending party. All complaints will be treated seriously and be investigated promptly. Confidentiality will be honored to the extent permitted as long as the rights of others are not compromised.

Submit Incident Report Form

Investigation Procedure

• If the complainant has not already filed a formal complaint, he or she will be asked to do so in writing.
• SSP staff will discuss the details first with the individual filing the complaint, then with the alleged offender; seek counsel if the appropriate course of action is unclear; and report findings to the SSP Executive Committee.
• SSP will notify the individual filing the complaint regarding any action taken.
• SSP staff who believe they have a conflict of interest will refer the complaint to the SSP President or other Officer.

Sanctions

Individuals engaging in behavior prohibited by this policy as well as those making allegations of harassment in bad faith will be subject to sanctions that range from a verbal warning to ejection from the meeting or activity in question without refund of registration fees and the reporting of their behavior to their employer. SSP reserves the right to prohibit attendance at future SSP events. Participants asked to cease any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Retaliation

SSP will not tolerate any form of retaliation against persons who file a complaint or assist in the investigation. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Appeal and Questions

In the event that the individual is dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, he or she may appeal to the President of SSP. Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the SSP Executive Director, Melanie Dolechek, mdoelchek@sspnet.org.