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Meetings Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for EAST Meetings


1.  Introduction.  The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (“EAST”) is a nonprofit corporation, organized for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes.  In particular, EAST: (i) fosters advances in the study and practice of the surgery of trauma; (ii) provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge pertaining to injury control, research, practice, and training in prevention, care, and rehabilitation of injury; and (iii) advances research, education, and training regarding the prevention, correction, and treatment of injuries (“Exempt Purpose”). In furtherance of its Exempt Purpose, EAST conducts and/or sponsors educational meetings including, without limitation, Annual Scientific Assemblies and periodic internal and external meetings and programs (collectively “Meeting(s)”).

EAST seeks participation in its Meetings by individuals with varied and diverse backgrounds.  EAST is committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all Meeting attendees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion (or lack thereof), and other individual characteristics.  This Code of Conduct (“Code”) outlines EAST’s expectations of its Meeting attendees (including EAST members, EAST Board members, sponsors, invited guests, and any other person attending a Meeting), as well as the consequences for Unacceptable Behavior (defined below).  We expect all Meeting attendees will abide by this Code at all Meetings, and in connection with activities outside of Meetings when such behavior has the potential to adversely affect the safety and/or wellbeing of Meeting attendees.

2.     Expected Behavior.  EAST expects its Meeting attendees will:

  • Exercise consideration and respect in their speech and actions.

  • Attempt collaboration before conflict.

  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.

  • Be mindful of their surroundings and fellow attendees.

  • Be respectful to all patrons at Meeting venues.

3.    Unacceptable Behavior. “Unacceptable Behavior” EAST will not tolerate includes, without limitation:

  • Violence, threats of violence, or violent language.

  • Disruptive, intrusive, insulting, antagonistic, or any other malicious conduct.

  • Sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, or other discriminatory conduct.

  • Inappropriate photography or recording.

  • Inappropriate physical contact.

  • Unwelcomed sexual attention and/or advances; including, using sexualized language.

  • Intoxication, contributing to inappropriate behavior.

  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following (online or in person).

  • Sustained disruption during Meeting events, including talks and presentations.

  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

  • Any other conduct deemed inappropriate and/or that may jeopardize the success of a Meeting, EAST’s reputation and goodwill, or the positive experience of any other Meeting attendee.

4.     Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior.  Unacceptable Behavior by Meeting attendees will not be tolerated. The determination of whether conduct constitutes Unacceptable Behavior, and the consequences imposed by EAST for the same, rest solely within EAST’s discretion, and said determinations are final and not subject to appeal. Anyone asked to stop Unacceptable Behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a Meeting attendee engages in Unacceptable Behavior and/or does not comply with this Code, EAST may take any action deemed appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from a Meeting without warning (and without refund, in the case of a paid event).

5.     Reporting Guidelines.  If you are subject to, or witness, Unacceptable Behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify EAST as soon as possible by contacting EAST’s Executive Director or EAST’s Executive Committee.  If the subject Unacceptable Behavior involves the Executive Director, please notify EAST’s current President.  Additionally, Meeting organizers are available to help Meeting attendees engage local law enforcement, or to, otherwise, help those experiencing Unacceptable Behavior feel safe. During Meetings, organizers are available to provide escorts as desired to the Meeting attendee(s) experiencing distress.

Any questions or comments regarding this Code should be directed to EAST’s Executive Director.

Adopted: April 30, 2015