ACIC Code of Conduct

ACIC 2022 Code of Conduct 

The American Causal Inference Conference (ACIC) brings together a community of researchers and scholars interested in the development and application of methods for causal inference. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our goal is to create an intellectual environment in which everyone has an equal opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the conversation and exchange of ideas. To accomplish this, our community recognizes and respects the inherent worth of every person.

This Code of Conduct outlines expectations for all event attendees, including speakers, participants, and organizers, both online and in-person. It also details steps for reporting policy violations. As ACIC 2022 is a UC Berkeley event, all campus nondiscriminationpolicies (as outlined here) apply and these policies will be enforced.

Responsibility of Participants

All attendees, speakers, sponsors and volunteers at our conference are requested to act in accordance with the following code of conduct. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody.

It is our expectation that all participants in ACIC 2022 activities will enjoy a welcoming environment free from any form of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. All participants in ACIC 2022 activities also must comply with all rules and conditions of campus activities. All participants in all ACIC 2022 activities are asked to comply with these behavioral expectations, including while participating at the in-person meeting sites and official conference venues with in-person interactions, as well as in virtual venues and interactions, including video streaming and chat-based interactions.

Expected and Encouraged Behaviors

All participants are expected to behave in a professional and respectful manner during the conference. We encourage individuals to exhibit the following behaviors to help ensure a welcome and safe environment for all participants. It is through such an environment that we will foster an inclusive community and thus benefit from lively conversation and exchange of ideas.

  • Be kind to others and respectful of all individuals

  • Use inclusive communication practices. This includes avoiding interrupting, active listening and stepping back to give others space to participate. Be collaborative and don’t dominate the conversation. Remember to amplify others’ voices and give credit where credit is due. Ask for clarification rather than assuming or interrupting. Give space for a variety of opinions and perspectives.

  • Gracefully accept constructive criticism.

  • Respect an individual’s space. Be aware of the physical space between you and other participants. Keep distance from others where necessary. Be sensitive to people’s preferences surrounding masking and social distancing.

  • Report concerns in a timely manner. If you experience or observe a violation of the code of conduct, report it in a timely manner (see below).

Unacceptable Behaviors

All participants are expected to behave in a professional and respectful manner during the conference. We expect individuals to refrain from the following:

  • Do not engage in actions that violate the code of conduct, including, but not limited to, biased, demeaning, or harassing actions or commentary. This includes comments relating to gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, body size, veteran status or other protected status. This applies to in-person and virtual spaces. “Joking” is not an acceptable reason to engage in such behavior.

  • Do not intentionally talk over, interrupt, or personally attack other participants.

  • Do not engage in deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.

  • Do not offer unwelcome sexual attention.

  • Do not disrupt the conference.

  • Do not threaten or harm, with physical or verbal actions, others.

To the extent that engaging in any of these unacceptable behaviors violates campus policy, the campus may impose disciplinary consequences.

Additionally, we remind participants that all events on the UC Berkeley campus are governed by the campus nondiscrimination policies, outlined here, and that these policies will be enforced.

Participants who are asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event.

Reporting

As ACIC 2022 is hosted by UC Berkeley, all reports of violations will be addressed via theappropriate campus offices. If someone makes you or anyone else feel unwelcome, we encourage you to report to the Office of the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). Wherever possible, reasonable steps will be taken to maintain confidentiality. OPHD may refer the matter to the ACIC organizing committee.  If you are concerned that you would be negatively impacted by OPHD making that referral, please discuss other options with that office.

Resources

The UC Berkeley PATH to Care Office (confidential advocate office) offers a 24 hour urgent support that conference participants can call if they encounter a situation or trigger and need to talk to a confidential advocate at that moment. Care Line: 510-643-2005.

TheNational Sexual Assault Hotline is available by phone or online chat for survivors and their loved ones.  They are free, confidential, and available 24/7. People can call (800) 656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in their area or chat with them online.

TheNational Domestic Violence Hotline has highly-trained advocates who are available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. People can call 1-800-799-7233, text LOVEIS to 2252, or chat online to speak with someone.

References

This Code of Conduct is informed by and partially adapted from CEGA, the 2021 National Workshop On Data Education, and 2018 PyCon, which in turn are based on language from the Geek Feminism Wiki, and are licensed under CC-BY.