Code of Conduct for ASTC Conferences, Events, Online Engagement, and Project Participation
The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Annual Conference—and other professional meetings, events, webinars, and projects organized by ASTC—are dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone attending or participating. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form, and we empower all participants in our community to actively engage in creating a safe environment for all.
ASTC values and celebrates contributions, discoveries, and novel solutions, regardless of their source. When all people are welcomed, respected, and included in our human pursuits, and when everyone has access and opportunity to pursue their aspirations, and when all people can participate fully and actively in creating and building the future, our association, members, and global society will be more equitable, prosperous, just, and resilient. Our world is rich in diversity, and ASTC embraces all diverse groups, including but not limited to, people of all races, colors, religions, political affiliations, sexual orientations, genders, ages, familial histories of education, physical and cognitive abilities, languages used, Indigenous status, and countries of origin.
This Code of Conduct is part of ASTC’s mission to champion and support science and technology centers and museums and the entire science engagement field—organizations that support lifelong science learning, connect science and society, engage diverse communities, and partner to tackle global and local challenges. ASTC is committed to advancing equity and social justice as foundational and essential values in all of our work. These values are essential to the practice of science, technology, and innovation which require seeking out and engaging a diversity of peoples, ideas, perspectives, life experiences, disciplines, knowledge systems, and approaches.
As an attendee, presenter, exhibitor, sponsor, or guest at the ASTC Annual Conference and other events or programs organized by ASTC, I will:
- Conduct myself with integrity, respect, honesty, and credibility.
- Approach all events and interactions in accordance with the highest ethical standards of professionalism and personal conduct.
- Avoid all activities that will cause damage to or discredit my organization, ASTC, or myself.
- Embrace ASTC’s diverse community of professionals and learners, and be inclusive of all audiences in my presentations, demonstrations, and conversations.
- Seek help from ASTC staff if I do not know how to fulfill any of the stated actions.
This Code of Conduct is in place to protect the safety of all participants. Contact, language, or imagery of a violent, threatening, sexual, discriminatory, demeaning, or disruptive nature is not appropriate for any in-person or online conference or project venue, including talks, workshops, parties, and online forum or media. If you witness any misconduct of this code, please report it to any ASTC staff member immediately:
- In-person through the conference facility, including at the front desk.
- Online by emailing conduct@astc.org.
Attendees or project participants asked to stop any harassing or discriminatory behavior are expected to comply immediately. ASTC leadership, at their sole discretion, may take action to redress anything disrupting the event or project making the environment unsafe for participants, including asking any individuals to leave the event or project at their own expense and without a refund of any fees paid.
Updated May 26, 2023