Dear Colleagues,

The Mid-Atlantic Geobiology Symposium is a place where all the members of our community can feel safe, included, and heard in an inclusive environment. Any behavior that prevents this from happening is unacceptable and strongly condemned. 

Our symposium is dedicated to providing a harassment-free scientific experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof). We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate during talks, the chat box or while in coffee social breaks. Please also note that audio and video recording or taking images of an individual’s presentation is expressly forbidden.  Symposium participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the Symposium at the discretion of the conference organizers.

All meeting participants are to do the following:

Be considerate, respectful, collegial, and collaborative.

Communicate openly and civilly critiquing ideas, not individuals.

Avoid any and all personal attacks and discrimination.

Participants asked to stop any inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or verbal abuse.

Audio and video recording or taking images of an individual’s presentation is expressly forbidden.

Examples of unacceptable and inappropriate behavior:

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, technology choices, sexual images in public spaces, as well as deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Consequences of unacceptable and inappropriate behavior:

Anyone requested to stop inappropriate behavior or misconduct is expected to immediately cease such behavior. Meeting organizers may take actions against such inappropriate behavior, including immediate removal from the symposium.

Please report unacceptable and inappropriate behavior:

If you are the subject of any unacceptable behavior or misconduct, or witness any such behavior, please immediately notify a meeting organizer online or by e-mail.

Symposium organizers will be happy to assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the symposium. We greatly value your attendance and safety. We expect attendees to follow these rules for the success of the symposium. If you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at geobiosymposium@gmail.com or through the Contact Us page.