ASHA's Code of Conduct for Meetings
ASHA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all individuals who participate in its meetings, based on the full range of dimensions of diversity, including but not limited to: age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, genetic information, national origin, physical appearance, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or other characteristic (“personal characteristics”). ASHA meetings allow for the collegial exchange of ideas and discussion of issues related to the ASHA community. Civil discourse that includes and acknowledges a diversity of opinions and experiences is vital. Inappropriate behavior of any kind is not tolerated.
All ASHA meetings are intended to be safe spaces. Participants are expected to:
- Be respectful
- Listen actively
- Be collaborative
- Respect diversity, including communication differences
- Respect privacy of participants
- Ask for consent for audio-visual recordings, quotes, or photography
- Be aware of language diversity
- Handle disagreement constructively
- Act fairly, honestly, and in good faith with other participants
Meeting Facilitators: The following would be appropriate language to read aloud at the beginning of any external meeting.
Individuals are expected to:
- Uphold the professional and educational purposes of meetings by respecting the rights, privacy, safety, and dignity of all persons.
- Exercise professionalism, consideration, and respect in their speech and actions.
- Refrain from harassing speech and other harassing behavior.
If, at any time, you feel that this code of conduct has been violated, please inform the meeting organizer. Those who have been found to be in violation can be removed from the meeting and may be prohibited from participation in future events. If you do not feel comfortable informing the meeting organizer, you may notify another ASHA staff member.
Abiding by these guidelines helps ensure that all individuals have a positive experience.
All forms of bullying, discrimination, and harassment are prohibited as is the promoting or encouraging of such behavior in any ASHA or ASHA-managed meeting or activity. It is a violation of this policy to retaliate against an individual for reporting bullying, discrimination or harassment or to intentionally file a false report of bullying, discrimination, or harassment.
This code of conduct applies to every individual at the meeting, whether attendee, speaker, facilitator, guest, ASHA staff, contractor or other. It applies to all ASHA meetings and related events, including those sponsored by organizations other than ASHA that are held in conjunction with ASHA events, on public or private platforms.
Some ASHA spaces or events may have additional rules in place, which will be made clearly available to participants. Participants are responsible for knowing and abiding by these guidelines.
