The American Statistical Association (ASA) and Penn State are committed to providing an atmosphere in which personal respect and intellectual growth are valued and the free expression and exchange of ideas are encouraged. Consistent with this commitment, it is the policy of the ASA that all participants in ASA activities 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.
All participants—including, but not limited to, attendees, statisticians, students, registered guests, staff, contractors, and exhibitors—in any ASA meeting or other activity—whether official or unofficial—agree to comply with all rules and conditions of the activities. Your registration for or attendance at any ASA event indicates your agreement to abide by this policy and its terms.
Expected Behavior
- Model and support the norms of professional respect necessary to promote the conditions for healthy exchange of scientific ideas.
- Speak and conduct yourself professionally; do not insult or disparage other participants.
- Be conscious of hierarchical structures in the ASA community, specifically the existence of stark power differentials between junior and senior statisticians—noting that fear of retaliation from senior statisticians can make it difficult for junior statisticians to express discomfort, rebuff unwelcome advances, and report violations of the conduct policy.
- Be sensitive to body language and other non-verbal signals and respond respectfully.
Unacceptable Behavior
- Violent threats or language directed against another person
- Discriminatory jokes and language
- Inclusion of 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 ASA’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, the ASA reserves the right to report violations to an individual’s employer or institution or to a law-enforcement agency. Those engaging in unacceptable behavior may also be banned from future ASA activities or face additional penalties.
What to Do if You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior
If you have experienced or are aware of violations of the ASA’s Activities Conduct Policy, please contact Conduct@amstat.org.
Process for Adjudicating Findings of Misconduct
The ASA will contract with an independent entity to investigate reported violations of the conduct policy. The ombuds service provider, the investigator, and the ASA leadership will be guided by the ASA Policies and Procedures for Reporting, Investigating, and Adjudicating Violations of the ASA’s Activities Conduct Policy (approved 10-4-2019 by ASA Board of Directors).
Note: This Code of Conduct may be revised at any time by The American Statistical Association and its terms are non-negotiable.
More information on the Penn State Code of Conduct can be found at Penn State Code of Conduct.