Our BrainStorm community is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all of our participants. This applies to anyone in person or online. This code of conduct exists not because we expect bad behavior — in our experience, you are overwhelmingly kind and civil — but because we believe a clear code of conduct is a necessary part of any community space.
Our guiding principle with this code is to ensure and enforce the safety of our BrainStorm community members from harassment. We want to provide a safe place for discussion, collaboration, and the free exchange of ideas that is supportive and open to all. By attending any BrainStorm conference or other Midwest Educational Technology Association, Inc. sponsored events, you agree to maintain and support these gatherings as harassment-free spaces.
We do not discriminate based on ethnic background, religion, gender, sexuality, body shape, disability – or your preferred OS. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We reserve the right to take any action we deem appropriate, including but not limited to asking the offender to leave the conference without refund. It is an unconditional right for all participants to be treated in a courteous and respectful manner, treating others with respect creates a positive atmosphere for any Midwest Educational Technology Association, Inc. sponsored event. This level of respect is required from all participants and attendees.
Furthermore, we insist that all participants and attendees adhere to a civil demeanor at all times. This includes refraining from inappropriate language, comments and behavior. Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech. Harassment includes but is not limited to: deliberate intimidation; stalking; unwanted photography or recording; inappropriate physical contact; use of discriminatory or sexual imagery, comments, or jokes; unwelcome sexual attention; threatening behavior, physical assault, and/or theft; and sustained or willful disruption of talks or other events.
We decline to partner with any business that openly tolerates discrimination, harassment, or puts on a display of inappropriate images or language. Sponsors/Vendors in our Vendor Expo are also held to this standard.
Covid-19 statement: As we navigate through this unprecedented time as responsibly as we can, we have implemented a number of new safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate state and local governmental agencies. We, along with the Kalahari Convention Center, are committed to have a responsible reopening of the BrainStorm conference. Since many of these measures will be new, and may evolve, we want to be sure attendees, vendors and the Kalahari staff are aware of all these changes that may be implemented:
·
Face coverings
required for attendees and vendors
· Physical distancing shall be observed wherever it is feasible
· An increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including the addition of hand sanitizer stations in key areas
Speakers, participants, sponsors or attendees who are being harassed, intimidated, or are dealing with otherwise improper behavior are encouraged to report it immediately to an official BrainStorm staff member. Staff members will attempt to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
Alternate methods of reporting issues include:
Anyone who is found to be in violation of this policy may be handled in any one or more of these methods, depending on the offense:
Actions stronger than a warning will be taken at the discretion of a) two or more of the BrainStorm Steering Committee members or b) a member of the BrainStorm Board of Directors.
False reports will not be tolerated. Personal disputes should be handled privately, unless actual harassment occurs.
The BrainStorm Steering Committee (and its officers) reserves the right to remove any participant, sponsor or attendee at any time for any reason.
This policy covers all organized events for BrainStorm or Midwest Educational Technology Association, Inc., including social events.
This policy is subject to change without notice.