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Code of Conduct for NIST Conferences

The following code of conduct applies to all in-person and virtual participants—such as presenters, attendees, guests, sponsors, exhibitors, co-hosts, volunteers, and staff—partaking in NIST-hosted or co-hosted conferences, on and off NIST campuses, or while using any NIST videoconferencing/collaboration technology.

Policy

NIST strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.

It is the policy of NIST that all participants—such as presenters, attendees, guests, sponsors, exhibitors, co-hosts, volunteers, and staff—at NIST conferences conduct themselves in a cooperative, collegial, civil, and respectful manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment. Participants are to contribute to creating a collegial, inclusive, positive, and respectful environment at NIST conferences.

Participants must avoid taking actions that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment directed at individuals or groups of people based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability (physical or mental), or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Participants are to refrain from using insulting, harassing, or otherwise offensive language in their interactions. Harassing, disruptive, threatening, or violent behavior toward other participants will not be tolerated at NIST conferences. Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive comments made in person and/or written (e.g., online chat, message boards) regarding a protected characteristic, as defined by DAO 202-955, Allegations of Harassment Prohibited by Federal Law, and unwelcome conduct, such as but not limited to unwanted touching or attention; display of offensive images or inappropriate virtual backgrounds and background props; photography without permission; and stalking. Disruptive behavior is behavior, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security Occupant Emergency Plan, that disturbs, interferes with, or prevents normal work functions or activities. Examples include but are not limited to yelling, using profanity, or verbally abusing others. Threatening behavior includes physical actions short of actual contact/injury, general oral or written threats to people or property, and implicit threats. Violent behavior includes any physical assault, with or without weapons; behavior that a reasonable person would interpret as being potentially violent (e.g., throwing things, pounding on a desk or door, or destroying property); or specific threats to inflict physical harm.

Violations of this policy should be reported promptly to the NIST Conference Chair and/or NIST event staff. Violations of this policy or other applicable authorities, including but not limited to the Regulations Governing Traffic and Conduct on the Grounds of NIST (15 CFR Part 265), may result in the offender being removed from the conference at which the incident occurred, without warning or refund. Violations may also result in NIST notifying appropriate authorities, barring the offender from attending future NIST conferences, and denying access to NIST facilities per procedures outlined in Physical Security Access Denial (NIST PR 2401.02). All reports will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.

To the extent permitted by law and policy, NIST will respond to all complaints in a prompt, impartial, confidential, nondiscriminatory, and constructive manner. Complaints may be made without fear of reprisal.

Created March 9, 2023