OSSD Code of Conduct

OSSD believes in a conference environment that is inclusive, supportive, and free from any form of harassment or discrimination. We value and respect the rights and privileges of others, and we ask that you honor the OSSD mission and vision through compliance with meeting Code of Conduct, as defined:

1. The conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone visiting the conference, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, religion, marital status, domestic partnership status, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.
2. The conference promotes both professional development and personal growth. Therefore, any harassment, microaggression, intimidation, and/or insinuative behavior will not be tolerated.
3. The conference upholds an illegal drug- and smoke-free atmosphere for all conference events.
4. The conference does not tolerate alcohol abuse during conference programming.

OSSD does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of conference participants (attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and/or guests) in any form. Violators of the policy—in part or entirety—will be asked to leave the conference immediately, may not return, and may be banned from future conference attendance and/or participation, including volunteer service and/or future event attendance. Individuals expelled due to violating this Conference Code of Conduct will not be eligible for a refund or other consolation.

In the event that you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, reach out to an OSSD conference staff member immediately. OSSD would like to thank our conference attendees in advance for respecting all conference policies.

Inappropriate Behavior

Harassment, microaggression, intimidation, and/or insinuations are hurtful and interfere with other attendee’s experience and participation in the OSSD conference. These behaviors are inappropriate and unacceptable.

Inappropriate behavior can take many forms such as: slurs, jokes, derogatory statements, foul or obscene language, offensive clothing, stalking, gestures, pictures, drawings, violating personal space by impeding or blocking another person’s movement or otherwise physically interfering with them, harassing photography or recordings, offensive emails, texts, or voicemail messages, or social media postings.

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. If asked to stop behaving inappropriately, you should comply immediately. OSSD reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from the event at any time. All determinations are at the sole discretion of OSSD, and the decision of the leading OSSD representative and/or committee will be final.

To report inappropriate behavior

If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate behavior or have any other concerns, notify an OSSD staff member as soon as possible. If you cannot find an OSSD staff member close by, please visit the registration booth and ask for an OSSD leadership team member.