Science thrives on diversity of thought and origin and we value the participation of every member of the scientific community and want all participants to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all participants are expected to show respect and courtesy to other members throughout the course, in group work, and any activity associated with this course.
To make clear what is expected, everyone taking part in this course, including instructors, helpers, organizers, and participants, is required to conform to the following Code of Conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout events, but you may also contact us privately; all communication will be treated as confidential.
We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all people, regardless of background or identity. As such, we do not tolerate behaviour that is disrespectful to our teachers or learners or that excludes, intimidates, or causes discomfort to others. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on characteristics that include, but are not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, nationality, ethnic or social origin, pregnancy, familial status, veteran status, genetic information, religion or belief (or lack thereof), membership of a national minority, property, age, education, socio-economic status, technical choices, and experience level.
Everyone who participates in this course’s activities is required to conform to this Code of Conduct. It applies to all spaces associated with this course including, but not limited to, group work, emails, and any online forums such as GitHub and Twitter. By participating, participants indicate their acceptance of the procedures by which the instructors and organizers resolves any Code of Conduct incidents.
Expected Behavior
All course participants are expected to show respect and courtesy to others. All interactions should be professional regardless of platform: either online or in-person. In order to foster a positive and professional learning environment we encourage the following kinds of behaviours in all interactions during this course:
- Be kind and aware of your words
- Use welcoming and inclusive language
- Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences
- Gracefully accept constructive criticism
- Focus on what is best for the course members and the community overall
- Show courtesy and respect towards other course members
See the four social rules for further recommendations and details on proper behaviour.
Unacceptable Behavior
Examples of unacceptable behavior by participants include:
- written or verbal comments which have the effect of excluding people on the basis of membership of any specific group
- causing someone to fear for their safety, such as through stalking, following, or intimidation
- violent threats or language directed against another person
- the display of sexual or violent images
- unwelcome sexual attention
- nonconsensual or unwelcome physical contact
- sustained disruption of talks, events or communications
- insults or put downs
- sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or exclusionary jokes
- excessive swearing
- incitement to violence, suicide, or self-harm
- continuing to initiate interaction (including photography or recording) with someone after being asked to stop
- publication of private communication without consent
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Participants who are asked, either in person or online, to stop any inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in behaviour that violates this code of conduct, the organizers, instructors, or helpers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the course.
Thank you for helping make this a welcoming, friendly event for all 😄
Acknowledgements: Large portions of this Code of Conduct were taken and modified from other Codes of Conduct, specifically Software Carpentry and UofTCoders.