Code of Conduct
In alignment with the American Statistical Association (ASA), the Duke Industry Statistical Symposium (DISS) is committed to providing an atmosphere in which personal respect and intellectual growth are valued, and the free expression and exchange of ideas are encouraged. The following Code of Conduct was developed by ASA and is adapted here for DISS. The DISS Steering Committee fully endorses these expectations for our meeting. It is the policy of the DISS that all participants enjoy a welcoming environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to, members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
DISS activities include any gathering, formal and informal, under the auspices of the DISS, including virtual meetings, such as planning committees. All participants—including, but not limited to, attendees, statisticians, students, registered guests, staff, contractors, and exhibitors—in any DISS meeting or other activity—whether official or unofficial—agree to comply with all rules and conditions of the activities. Registration for, attendance at, or participation in any DISS activity indicates your agreement to abide by this policy and its terms. To preserve a climate that encourages both civil and fruitful dialogue, the DISS reserves the right to suspend or terminate participation for anyone who violates the Code of Conduct. Please review the expectations specific to online community participation.
Expected Behavior
- Model and support the norms of respect necessary to promote the conditions for healthy exchange of scientific ideas.
- In speech or conduct, do not insult or disparage other participants.
- Be conscious of hierarchical structures, specifically the existence of stark power differentials between students, early career statisticians and established career statisticians—noting that fear of retaliation from more established statisticians can make it difficult for students and early career statisticians to express discomfort, rebuff unwelcome advances, and report violations of the conduct policy.
- Be sensitive to indications that may suggest that individuals are feeling unwelcome.
Unacceptable Behavior
- Violent threats or language directed against another person
- Discriminatory jokes and language
- Including unnecessary sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise sensitive materials in presentations
- Posting (or threatening to post), without permission, other people’s personally identifying information online, including on social networking sites
- Personal insults including, but not limited to, those using racist, sexist, homophobic, or xenophobic terms
- Unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy such as sexual advances; propositions; sexual flirtations; sexually-related touching; and graphic gestures or comments about sex or another person’s dress, body, or sexual activities
- Advocating for, encouraging, or dismissing the severity of any of the above behaviors.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
At the DISS’s sole discretion, unacceptable behavior may result in removal from or denial of access to meeting facilities or activities, without refund of any applicable registration fees or costs. In addition, DISS reserves the right to report violations to professional organizations, such as the ASA, an individual’s employer or institution or to a law-enforcement agency. Those engaging in unacceptable behavior may also be banned from future DISS activities or face additional sanctions.
What to Do if You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior
If you have experienced or are aware of violations of the DISS’s Code of Conduct, please contact the Chair of the Organizing Committee or the Associate Chair for Culture, Engagement and Impact. They will work with the Duke Office of Institutional Equity to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to address the concerns.
