Plains Anthropological Society Annual Meeting Code of Conduct
This code of conduct applies to all participants, presenters, guests, volunteers, and other attendees at the annual Plains Anthropological Conference (PAC). We ask that all PAC attendees read and understand this code of conduct prior to the conference.
As an organization, the Plains Anthropological Society (PAS) promotes inclusivity and opportunity at its annual meeting. To that end, the PAS will not tolerate any form of harassment, assault, bullying, or intimidation at PAC events, as set forth in the PAS Anti-Harassment Policy. No attendee at PAC events should be subjected to such misconduct. Accordingly, some behaviors are specifically prohibited, whether directed at other attendees, PAS volunteers, speakers, exhibitors, or event venue staff. Prohibited behaviors include any intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, or derogatory conduct.
Harassment is defined as verbal, written, or physical conduct—whether online or in-person—related to one’s protected-class identity that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating or hostile work, educational, or living environment. Sexual harassment specifically refers to an attempted or actual sexual act directed against another person, without the affirmative consent of the person, including instances where the person is incapable of giving consent. Sexual harassment includes any verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome and offensive to the recipient such that it impairs the recipient’s ability to fully participate, enjoy, or engage in PAC events. Discrimination occurs when an individual suffers an adverse consequence on the basis of a protected-class identity. Unacceptable behavior at a PAC event also includes physical or verbal abuse, intimidation, bullying, threats, efforts to annoy others, stalking, pushing, shoving or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person that creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous, or creates reasonable apprehension in a person. Discussion of opposing or different viewpoints is appropriate when conducted in a respectful tone and manner that avoids personal attacks.
We expect all attendees to recognize that harassment, assault, bullying, discrimination, and intimidation are forms of professional misconduct that are antithetical to the principles and values of the PAS and the lives and careers of our members. We expect all attendees to conduct themselves with regard to codes of professional ethics, workplace guidelines and behavioral expectations, and U.S. and Canadian law.
If You Have Been Harassed or Assaulted:
For immediate help, call 911. Local police can accompany you to a hospital or health center. There is no time limit on making a police report, and filing a report does not mean you have to press a criminal case.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center 1-877-739-3895 can also connect you with local resources. Universities also often offer free counseling or other places to anonymously discuss sexual assault and harassment.