Code of Conduct

The ARP Code of Conduct

The Association for Research in Personality (ARP) holds professional conferences and other events devoted to bringing together scholars whose research contributes to the understanding of personality structure, processes, and development. ARP is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age, appearance, religion, or other group status. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Event participants violating this code of conduct may be sanctioned at the discretion of the ARP Board or the event organizers.

ARP is dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the free expression of ideas. ARP seeks to provide an environment in which diverse participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual human respect. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and hold that environment for the benefit of all. Some behaviors, therefore, are specifically prohibited:

  • Harassment or intimidation based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age, appearance, religion, or other group status.
  • Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.
  • Sustained disruption or threatening speakers (verbally or physically).

Speakers are asked to frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and to be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others.

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 might not constitute hostile conduct or harassment if it is necessary to the topic of discussion and presented respectfully.

Alcohol is available at some ARP-sponsored events during the convention and may be consumed by those of legal age. Alcohol at ARP events will be distributed following local and state statutes, which may include limiting consumption. Alcohol or other substances may not be brought into ARP-sponsored events, nor may they be consumed by those not of legal age. Because excessive alcohol leads to impaired decision-making, ARP discourages excessive drinking during these events.

Enforcement

Participants who are asked to stop harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This may include warning the offender, expulsion from the conference, or other sanctions.

Event organizers may also take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for participants.

We expect participants to follow this code of conduct at all ARP-sponsored events.

Reporting

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, or if you believe a harassment problem exists, then you may report your concerns directly to an ARP officer, Board member, or conference organizer. Alternatively, you may report your concerns electronically, with the option to remain anonymous.

All reports of harassment will be documented in writing by the ARP officers and Board. In general, reported incidents will be discussed by a subset of officers and Board members before deciding whether to impose a sanction. However, ARP reserves the right to impose an immediate sanction when appropriate to the circumstances of a particular incident.

References

This anti-harassment policy uses language and concepts adapted from the following sources:

SIPS Code of Conduct
https://www.improvingpsych.org/SIPS2017/code-of-conduct/

SPSP Code of Conduct
http://meeting.spsp.org/code-conduct

Geek Feminism wiki
http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment/Policy

American Library Association code of conduct
http://alamw14.ala.org/statement-of-appropriate-conduct