- Introduction:
The Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) is a Wisconsin nonprofit corporation exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). DRS’s purpose includes to enhance and encourage research pertinent to normal and disordered swallowing and related functions, to provide a multidisciplinary forum for presentation of research into normal and disordered swallowing and related functions, and those other purposes set forth in greater detail in DRS’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
The purpose of this policy is to: 1) establish the conduct expected of DRS members and other participants in DRS activities; and 2) to identify disciplinary action that may be taken when participants’ conduct does not align with these expectations. For purposes of this policy, “participant” is defined as any attendee, speaker, organizer, staff member, sponsor, guest, online user, or exhibitor participating in official DRS activities.
The DRS Code of Conduct applies to all DRS activities, including participants’ communications with DRS and other participants in connection with DRS activities. DRS activities include but are not limited to in-person, virtual, and online events and activities sponsored by DRS, including, for example, the Annual Meeting, webinars, Board of Directors’ meetings, social media posts, and DRS social events.
- Expected Conduct:
Expected conduct at DRS activities includes, but is not limited to:
- Respect common-sense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, courtesy, and regard for private property.
- Be considerate and respectful of differing perspectives during the meeting.
- Respect the rules and policies of participating societies, the meeting platform, and venues.
- Comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
- Prohibited Conduct:
Prohibited conduct at DRS activities includes, but is not limited to:- Harassment* or demeaning comments based on sex, gender-identity, race,ethnicity,color, personal appearance, national origin, religion, age, physical disability, mental disability, perceived disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, professional status, qualifications, affiliations, or any other basis protected by federal or pertinent state laws.
- Sexual harassment of any kind.^
- Abusive conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with another person’s ability to benefit from and enjoy or participate in the meeting, event, or other activity.
- Undue or excessive interruption of any event, speaker, or session
- Violence or threats of violence
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
- Any other conduct deemed inappropriate that may jeopardize the success of DRS’s activities, reputation, and goodwill, or the positive experience of any other participant.
* Harassment includes verbal, physical, and/or visual conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment. Harassing conduct can take many forms and includes, but is not limited to, the following: slurs, epithets, derogatory comments, insults, degrading or obscene words/jokes, bullying, demeaning statements, offensive gestures, or displaying derogatory or demeaning pictures, drawings, or cartoons based upon an individual’s sex, gender-identity, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by law. ^ Sexually harassing conduct includes actions constituting harassment that is sexual in nature, as well as other unwelcome conduct that is sexual in nature, such as unwanted sexual advances, lewd propositions or innuendos, leering; making sexual gestures, making sexually suggestive or graphic comments or engaging in inappropriate sexually-oriented conversation, displaying sexually suggestive objects, graphics, pictures, or posters, whether physically or over the Internet, making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs or jokes, the sexual touching or display of one’s own body, or unwanted physical touching or assault, as well as impeding or blocking movements.
- Reporting an Incident:
Individuals who witness or experience prohibited conduct at a DRS meeting or other DRS activity should report such conduct to the DRS Executive Director, Stephanie Taylor, at stephanie@affinity-strategies.com or (331-551-8138). DRS cannot address claimed inappropriate conduct or harassment unless the claims are brought to the attention of the DRS Executive Director who is an employee of Affinity Strategies, the DRS association management company. The DRS Executive Director will promptly disclose the report to the appropriate officer(s) for management of the reported incident. The DRS Executive Director shall not play any role in the decisions relating to such reports. Meeting participants are encouraged to report any incidents of perceived violations of this policy as quickly as they feel safe doing.If requested by the reporting party, then except where required by law, reasonable efforts will be made to keep the reporting party’s identity confidential. Any individual reporting such conduct is not required or expected to discuss the concern with the alleged offender. Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior at a DRS event that is illegal or otherwise an immediate or serious threat to the safety of those present, or to the public, is advised to locate a phone and ask for security, or to otherwise contact the authorities for protection. The determination of whether conduct violates the terms of this policy, and the consequences imposed by DRS for the same, rest solely at DRS’s discretion. Any determinations by DRS under this policy are final and not subject to appeal. DRS can only investigate situations that arise in connection with DRS activities. If a DRS participant experiences inappropriate conduct or harassment at the participant’s own or another institution, a place of work, a research facility, or online via non-DRS-sponsored channels, that individual should contact the appropriate authority at that particular institution, facility or medium.
- Disciplinary Action:
If DRS determines that a participant engages in unacceptable conduct or conduct otherwise prohibited under this policy, then DRS may take any action against the participant that DRS deems appropriate in its sole discretion. Disciplinary action against a participant may include, but is not limited to:- private reprimand
- removal or expulsion from the Meeting and/or membership in the society without warning or monetary refund
- implementation of restrictions or conditions for attendance at future DRS activities
- Additional Considerations:
All participants are and agree to be subject to the Code of Conduct by becoming DRS members or otherwise participating in DRS’s activities. All participants release, indemnify, and hold harmless DRS and DRS’s directors, officers, Executive Director, staff members, volunteers, and other representatives, including those associated with Affinity Strategies (collectively, “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), arising out of or relating to the Released Parties’ actions or omissions in connection with this policy. Under no circumstances shall DRS or a Released Party be liable for the disclosure of information, or any actions taken in furtherance of this Code of Conduct.
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