Workshop Code of Conduct

STLS Workshop Code of Conduct 

The Southern Tier Library System holds professional conferences and meetings to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all participants – members and other attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff and volunteers – the opportunity to benefit from the event, the Southern Tier Library System is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion or other group identity.  

 As an organization, STLS is strongly committed to diversity, equity and the free expression of ideas. These values have been outlined in the STLS Declaration Promoting Racial and Social Justice.  

Within the professional practices of librarianship, 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.  

STLS seeks to provide a learning 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 are, therefore, specifically prohibited:  

1. Harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, appearance, or other group status.  

2. Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.  

3. Yelling at 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.   

All participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all conference venues, including online venues, and conference social events. Participants asked to stop hostile or harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Participants seek to learn, network and have fun. Please do so responsibly and with respect for the right of others to do likewise.