ISA promotes an environment free from inappropriate behavior and harassment. We are committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of an individual’s physical or personal characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, ancestry, age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Members, staff, attendees, and contractors are expected to treat each other with respect. This policy applies to all locations and situations where ISA conducts business, including all ISA-sponsored activities and events. Attendees must obey all applicable laws and venue policies.
Inappropriate behavior includes disorderly conduct caused by inebriation, actions that create unsafe conditions, and noisy activity that interferes with presentations. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome slurs, insults, jokes, or verbal, graphic, or physical conduct. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
It is impossible to catalogue all the specific types of conduct that might violate this policy.
Report a Concern
All participants are expected to alert ISA staff if they notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this policy, even if they seem inconsequential. If comfortable, tell the offender immediately that the behavior is unwelcome. ISA staff will escalate to the appropriate authority. No person who reports an alleged violation in an appropriate manner will be subject to any adverse action because of the complaint.
Investigation
ISA reserves its right to exercise its best judgment under the circumstances and staff may take whatever actions deemed appropriate, including, for example, expulsion from the activity without refund. All complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated to determine whether improper conduct has occurred.
ISA expects full cooperation in any investigation. ISA will maintain the confidentiality of all complaints to the extent possible while allowing ISA to conduct a full and fair investigation. ISA will take reasonable steps during its investigation to protect the privacy and minimize suspicion toward all parties concerned.
If the offender is on ISA staff, human resources will conduct the investigation as per the staff handbook. If the offender is a contractor or non-member attendee, the Executive Director will take appropriate action, including, but not limited to, suspension or termination of any business relationship, notification of participant’s employer, and disqualification from attending future activities. If the offender is a member, the investigation will be conducted as per the member code of ethics.
If the offense is serious and the complaining party is fearful, the Executive Director may take protective action as necessary to separate the parties involved while assuring that the action is not punitive, retaliatory, or prejudicial to a thorough investigation.