Code of Conduct main content.

Code of Conduct

The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC) at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) works to promote a welcoming environment at its meetings that is safe, collaborative, supportive, and productive for all attendees, including volunteers, exhibitors, and service providers, and that values the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences reflected among the conference attendees. To that end, we expect all participants—attendees, speakers, mentors, and volunteers—to follow the Code of Conduct during the conference. This includes conference-related social events, and in related online communities and social media.

Expected Behavior 

  • Treat everyone with respect and consideration. Communicate openly and thoughtfully with others and be considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are different than your own.
  • Be respectful in your critique of ideas.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert CBC staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Respect the rules and policies of all venues associated with the meeting.
  • Uphold and support the CBC’s commitment and actions to improve the events environmental and social impacts.
  • Behave in accordance with professional standards and applicable laws.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • CBC and AMNH do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law.
  • Sexual language and imagery, or any other potentially harassing material or behavior including but not limited to verbal comments, intimidation, inappropriate physical contact or unwelcome sexual attention, are not permitted at the conference and may not be incorporated into the visuals or presentations.
  • Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately and to not repeat their behavior, or may be required to leave the conference, in the CBC’s sole discretion.
  • Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to inappropriate comments related to any of the categories listed above; harassing photography or recording; threatening, intimidating or stalking anyone at the conference as an attendee, staff, or presenter or otherwise.
  • Disruption of talks at the conference or other associated events organized by the CBC.

Consequences

  • Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
  • CBC staff (or their designees) or Museum Security may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the conference without warning or refund.
  • The CBC reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting or conference organized by the CBC.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior, have witnessed any such behavior, or have any other concerns relating to unacceptable behavior, please immediately notify a CBC staff member on-site (in-person, by phone or by email). CBC staff can be identified by the blue ribbon on their conference ID badge.

  • Visit our information desk in the conference registration area.
  • Call 212-769-5742
  • Email biodiversity@amnh.org
  • Individuals may also report unacceptable behavior confidentially or anonymously through the Museum’s Compliance Hotline, by calling 1-800-620-5571. This 800-number is managed by an outside, independent service provider.

Conference staff can provide support, including but not limited to: 

  • Contacting AMNH security or local law enforcement.
  • Contacting AMNH Title IX officers in Human Resources:
  • Otherwise assisting those experiencing unacceptable behavior to ensure that they feel safe for the duration of the conference.