SCCS-NY 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, whether in virtual or physical spaces, 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. All forms of communication among SCCS-NY participants during the meeting are considered within the scope of the conference, and thus fall under the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct. These include public and private communications in virtual conference rooms, via electronic chat functions (e.g., Q/A box, Zoom Chat), emails, texts, social media, phone calls, and other forms of written, verbal, and non-verbal (including visual) communication.

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 our own.
  • Be respectful in your critique of ideas.
  • Consider your surroundings and computer screen contents when sharing your screen or appearing in live or pre-recorded videos to prevent the appearance of sensitive personal information, inappropriate background images, or disruptive content. This does not apply to unplanned cameo appearances by pets and children.
  • 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.
  • Respect the rules and policies of all venues and online platforms associated with the meeting.

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 or unwelcome sexual attention, are not permitted at the conference and may not be incorporated into the visuals or presentations.
  • Violating the rules and regulations of the online platforms and services.
  • 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 disruption of virtual meetings, 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) 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 listed in the program by email or phone. Screenshots or any evidence of the concern is helpful but not required. 

  • Call 212-496-3431
  • Email [email protected]
  • Individuals may also report prohibited conduct 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 Title IX officers in Human Resources: Benjamin Marzolf, Title IX Coordinator / Equal Opportunity Specialist: 212-769-5316, [email protected]