National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Event Code of Conduct

Please also see: NCFR's Privacy Policy and Photo, Audio, and Video Policy

Incident Report for Violations of NCFR's Code of Conduct

 

Introduction

NCFR events are convened for the purpose of professional development and scholarly educational exchange. NCFR is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and collegial environment that fosters open dialogue and the free expression of ideas without harassment, discrimination, or hostile conduct in all in-person and virtual events (e.g., conferences, meetings, webinars, conversations, or other gatherings) hosted by NCFR.
NCFR is committed to providing equal opportunity and treatment for all participants, regardless of the following:

  • Ability and disability
  • Age
  • Bilingualism and multiculturalism/English language learners
  • Body size and condition
  • Customs and traditions
  • Educational, disciplinary, or career status
  • Ethnicity, race, national origin, or cultural identity
  • Gender, gender identity, and gender expression
  • Geographical background and location
  • Indigenous or immigration status or identity
  • Marital status, relational status (including singlehood), and family structure or identity
  • Objective and subjective worldviews and standpoints
  • Political ideologies and affiliations
  • Religion/no religion, spirituality and affiliations, and faith
  • Sexual orientation, identities, and expressions
  • Socioeconomic status, residential status, social class, employment, and national service

This same commitment is expected of all participants during any NCFR event. “Participant” refers to anyone present at any NCFR event, including NCFR staff, contractors, vendors, exhibitors, venue staff, presenters, visitors, and attendees, regardless of registration status.

To ensure the best possible experience for all participants, we have established some basic rules and guidelines for participation.

Expected behavior

  • We expect all participants to abide by this Code of Conduct in all venues during event sessions, poster sessions, meetings, ancillary events, official and unofficial social gatherings, as well as virtual forums, virtual events, and on social media.
  • Exercise consideration in your speech and actions. Be respectful, welcoming, inclusive, and courteous in your speech and actions.
  • Maintain civil and respectful dialogue and discussion.
  • Respect others: Maintain civil and respectful dialogue and discussion. Healthy and challenging debate is core to Family Science. The discussions during events are meant to stimulate conversation, not create contention.
  • Researchers must present their own research.
  • Be physically present when presenting your research.
  • Be on time or early for your presentation to ensure the session can begin on time.
  • Keep posts online related to the session topic, or to NCFR announcements or events.
  • Respect intellectual property. Only use content that you have personally created or that you have permission to use and have properly attributed to the content creator, including graphics and images.
  • Indicate whether individuals have permission to use your materials.
  • Purchase classroom or departmental licenses before sharing NCFR virtual events or recordings (e.g., webinars, conference recordings) with a public audience.

Unacceptable behaviors

The following are unacceptable and will not be tolerated:

  • Intimidating, harassing, bullying, abusive, threatening, lewd, discriminatory, derogatory, defamatory, demeaning, hateful speech or actions, or harmful criticism by any participant during any NCFR event and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of any NCFR events. Harassment specifically means to create an unpleasant or hostile situation or environment by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct, especially in a repeated or persistent manner.
  • Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, appearance, immigration or refugee status, or other personal characteristics as referenced in this Code of Conduct.
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public or virtual spaces. In formal presentations, sexual language or imagery in the context of professional study may not constitute harassment; presenters are requested to inform participants in advance about the inclusion of sexual content in their presentation.
  • Posting or sharing defamatory, abusive, profane, threatening, offensive, or illegal materials, images, or statements during presentations or at the event site.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome following (online or in person).
  • Photographing or recording event attendees' image or voice without their permission and used for any purpose outlined in the unacceptable behaviors listed above.
  • Recording or taking pictures of presentations and sessions without prior consent.
  • Sharing access to virtual events with unregistered attendees without prior permission from NCFR, such as obtaining a classroom or departmental license.
  • Sustained disruption or monopolizing discussions during presentations or other events.
  • Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact.
  • Sexual or physical harassment and assault (including unwelcome touch).
  • Real or implied threat of physical harm or violence.
  • Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.
  • Posting commercial messages or fundraising appeals not previously approved.
  • Unauthorized attendance at events without proper registration.
  • Unauthorized use or misuse of resources.
  • Terrorism—the use of violence against people or property to intimidate or coerce a civil population to achieve political or ideological gain.
  • Underage alcohol possession or consumption.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Use of illegal drugs.
  • Posting or threatening to post other people’s personally identifiable information.
  • Presentations, posts, and messages containing promotional materials, special offers, job opportunities, product announcements, or solicitation for services, with the exception of spaces and events designated for marketing purposes, such as conference exhibit areas, paid advertising and sponsorships, and the annual University Receptions.
  • Failing to follow any other codes or policies, including NCFR and hotel codes and policies, that apply to the event.
  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviors.

Alert NCFR staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct. If the event is in a hotel setting, also alert the hotel security.

Additional considerations

  • Harassment committed in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior. Sexist, heterosexist, racist, and other discriminatory or exclusionary jokes are offensive to others.
  • Excessive swearing and offensive jokes are not appropriate during any NCFR event.
  • Retaliation for reporting harassment is a violation of this Code of Conduct.
  • Reporting harassment in bad faith is a violation of this Code of Conduct.
  • This Code of Conduct is not intended to limit the terms of open and respectful scientific inquiry or discussion.

 

Social media and e-communications

Posting defamatory, abusive, profane, threatening, or offensive comments or posts on published websites related to NCFR members or participants is considered unacceptable and can result in denial of access and further sanctions as described in this Code of Conduct. Published websites include social media platforms, public or private discussion groups and chats, direct messages, and the NCFR Conference App, Whova.

Weapons policy

Carrying or displaying weapons of any kind, including firearms, is not permitted at any NCFR event or NCFR conference meeting space and meeting rooms. Authorities will be notified should someone be found carrying a weapon.

Conference Registration

  • All participants and attendees must be registered for the event to participate.
  • Registered attendees for in-person events must pick up their own registration materials. There will be no exceptions.

 

Consequences of unacceptable behavior

NCFR considers it a form of professional misconduct to violate this Code of Conduct. The consequences for violations will be determined by factors, including the immediacy of the threat to attendees, the severity and frequency of the violation, whether the individual has been found to have past violations, and the status of the individual (with those in a position of authority and leadership held to the highest standards of behavior). Agreement to this Code of Conduct constitutes acknowledgement that the possible disciplinary actions for its violation include, but are not limited to, a verbal warning, removal from an event without refund, restriction or prohibitions on attending future events, and removal from membership in NCFR.

Reporting harassment or unacceptable behavior

Threatening behaviors, harassment, bullying, intimidation, threats to personal security (e.g., witnessed or experienced), or other unacceptable behaviors noted in this Code of Conduct during an NCFR event should be reported to NCFR staff and to any security personnel present at the event.

In-person attendees at the 2024 NCFR Annual Conference in Bellevue, Washington, should seek immediate assistance from hotel security (425) 460-5730 from a cell phone, or *0 from a hotel phone, and if applicable, the local police (911). NCFR Staff or an NCFR Board Member may be reached through emailing [email protected]. For emergencies, please call 911.

All incidents should be reported and documented by completing an Incident Report for Violations of NCFR’s Code of Conduct.

All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.


Written reports

Any participant who is subjected to or witnesses an incident of harassment or abusive behavior may file a written report. Reports should include identification of the offender (or description); behaviors or actions by that person; circumstances around the incident; day, time, and event name; and others present. These details are necessary to allow for proper follow-up. Without proper details, it may not be possible to follow up on the report. NCFR will review all written reports and, if it deems appropriate, conduct an investigation. All written reports will be kept confidential to the extent possible.

Grievances

A participant who believes they were falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct should immediately notify the NCFR executive director with a concise description of the grievance. All grievances will be handled in accordance with existing governing policies and codes as adopted by the NCFR Board of Directors.

Contact information

Executive Director
NCFR
661 LaSalle Street, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55114
Email
888-781-9331