Code of Conduct

We are committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and collaborative environment for all participants, regardless of their gender, gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, sexual characteristics, physical appearance, disability, or age.

This code of conduct applies to all of our events, online spaces, and virtual spaces, including any parties and gatherings at restaurants or other venues related to any of our initiatives.

The code of conduct ensures that behaviors that may harm participants are avoided. It provides individuals who are victims of negative behaviors with confidence that they will be supported by the organization, who respects and stands behind the code of conduct. We are focused on supporting and empowering the most marginalized, with our approach focused on mutual respect and enhancing collaboration and trust among participants.

Individuals that violate the Code of Conduct may be asked to leave our community spaces and/or events.

A Code of Conduct is not a restorative justice tool, nor a tool to protect people from harm that occurs outside of TCU spaces or events. If you are a digital rights defender, and need individual support to process a situation that has occurred outside of TCU spaces and events, we encourage you to reach out to one of our therapists

Unacceptable Behaviors

Harassment may occur online or in person. Examples of unacceptable behaviors include:

1. Verbal comments that reinforce oppression related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age or religion (or lack thereof);

2. Imitating or making fun of accents or grammatical errors, or giving unsolicited grammar corrections (but clarifying questions are fine);

3. Verbal threats or demands;

4. Sexualized images in public spaces;

5. Intimidation or bullying;

6. Stalking;

7. Harassing photography or recording;

8. Sustained disruption of sessions or events;

9. Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention;

10. Drugging food or drink;

11. Violating the conference privacy policy in order to attract negative attention to an attendee;

12. Enlisting the help of others, whether in person or online, in order to target an attendee;

13. Intentional dismissal of an attendee’s gender identity, expression or sexual orientation in any form;

14. Spamming, trolling, flaming, baiting or other attention-stealing behavior in virtual spaces.

15. Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior.

16. Not respecting or following our Security Policy

Let someone leave a conversation that makes them uncomfortable, and do not follow people who asked to be left alone. If you discuss difficult topics that may be traumatic for participants, provide warnings so people may leave a conversation or plan coping strategies.

Individuals who are asked to stop harassing behaviors are expected to cease immediately. Depending on severity of harassment or repeat offenses, our staff will respond appropriately, including but not limited to giving warnings or expulsion from the event. With the consent of the person being harassed, local authorities will be called if needed.

We count on everyone - from partner organizations to individuals - to do their part to ensure positive experiences for all participants. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact our team.

Overseeing the COC

Our Wellness Team oversees the Code of Conduct for both in-person and virtual events.

Report a violation

Reports can be made confidentially by doing one of the following:

• For in-person events, locate a member of the staff or Wellness Team on-site. Staff can be identified by conference logo shirts, and will be at the information desk by the front entrance throughout the conference.
• For virtual events, please contact a staff member on Mattermost.

All reports are confidential. You will not be asked to take actions that make you feel unsafe. Breaking the code of conduct may result in immediate expulsion from the event and/or space.