Code of conduct

Astronomical Society of Australia Code of Conduct

The ASA Code of Conduct outlines the Society’s expectations for behaviour and conduct. The Code applies to all participants at ASA endorsed meetings or activities, and to ASA members at all astronomical meetings or activities.

It is the policy of the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) that all participants in its activities are able to enjoy an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and that its members conduct themselves appropriately during all professional activities. The ASA standard of appropriate professional conduct is defined by the Astronomical Society of Australia Statement of Ethics. The ASA is committed to making ASA-organised, -sponsored or -supported meetings, events and publications inclusive, productive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age, caring responsibilities, cultural diversity, disability, gender, indigeneity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance, or religion. The ASA will not tolerate harassment in any form from its members, from attendees of ASA activities, or as part of ASA publications.

All participants are expected to abide by these guidelines:

1. Behave professionally. Harassment and sexist, racist, ableist or otherwise exclusionary comments or jokes are not appropriate. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent. It also includes offensive written or verbal comments related to issues including age, caring responsibilities, cultural diversity, disability, gender, indigeneity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance, or religion.
2. All verbal and written communication should be inclusive and appropriate for a diverse professional audience.
3. Be considerate and respectful to others. Do not insult or denigrate other attendees. Critique ideas rather than individuals.

Individuals engaging in behaviour prohibited by the Code of Conduct as well as those making allegations of harassment in bad faith will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the document Handling of Potential Breaches of the ASA Statement of Ethics and Code of Conduct, up to and including termination of membership.

Anyone who wishes to report a violation of this policy is asked to speak confidentially to the meeting organiser, ASA President, or ASA Ethics and Conduct Committee Chair. Formal complaints to the Society can be made via the complaints form for confidential consideration by the ASA Ethics and Conduct Committee.

Source: ASA Code of Conduct (PDF), version 2.0, 3 June 2019. See the ASA’s conduct and ethics page for related policies.

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