The Build-a-Cell Code of Conduct

1. Background

All participants in all Build-a-Cell activities will enjoy an environment free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.  Build-a-Cell leadership is committed to the philosophy of equal opportunity and treatment for all members regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, military status, or any other reason not related to scientific merit.

2. Expected Behavior.

The Build-a-Cell expects all Participants to behave responsibly and professionally and to abide by this Code of Conduct. This policy applies to all participants of Build-a-Cell events.

Participants must exercise professionalism, consideration, and respect in their speech and actions, and must refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, disruptive or harassing behavior and speech. Participants who experience or witness harassment are encouraged to report it as provided in paragraph 4, below.

3. Unacceptable Behavior.

The Build-a-Cell will not tolerate sexual, discriminatory, or other harassment by any Participant at any Build-a-Cell event. Unacceptable behaviors include:

-       Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact with another Participant;

-       Verbal or written comments, or visual images, that are sexually suggestive, or that denigrate or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual, or group of individuals, and that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or that unreasonably interfere with an individual’s ability to participate in an Build-a-Cell event;

-       Inappropriate, unnecessary, or irrelevant use of nudity and/or sexual images;

-       Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any Participant in a Build-a-Cell activity, at all related events, and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of any Build-a-Cell activity;

-       Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, or other personal characteristics;

-       Deliberate intimidation, following or stalking;

-       Harassing photography or recording;

-       Physical assault (including unwelcome touching or groping);

-       Real or implied threat of physical harm;

-       Real or implied threat of personal, professional, or financial damage or harm.

4. Reporting Unacceptable Behavior.

Any participant of a Build-a-Cell activity who is subjected to unacceptable behavior during any Build-a-Cell activity should report the behavior to members of the Build-a-Cell Steering Group and the applicable local authorities if the Participant’s safety is threatened or the Participant otherwise feels it is necessary.

5. Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior.

Unacceptable behavior from any Participant during any Build-a-Cell activity will not be tolerated. If a Participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the Build-a-Cell Steering Group may take any action that it deems appropriate. The Steering Group will review the situation in a timely manner, taking into consideration the relevant facts and circumstances. The complainant and any parties involved may be asked to make their statements in writing. Consequences for committing unacceptable behavior may include removal from Build-a-Cell meeting and removal from Build-a-Cell working group. Additional consequences may include barring participation from any future Build-a-Cell activities.

The Participant reporting the unacceptable behavior will be informed of the results of the review and any actions taken. Steering Group review and action in no way restricts a Participant’s ability to file a separate complaint with other applicable organizations or take any other action outside of the Build-a-Cell community.