Code of conduct

The Society for Muscle Biology is dedicated to providing an inclusive, positive, safe and harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), political beliefs or other group identity. We expect all participants to follow the rules outlined in this Code of Conduct during all conference activities.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR

SMB expects that all participants of the Conference, will:

1. Be considerate and respectful to all individual participating in the conference, including organizers, session chairs, invited speakers, presenters, attendees, sponsors and hotel staff. 
2. Avoid any demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, materials, and speech.
3. Speak up if they observe anything at the conference that conflicts with this Code of Conduct. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the SMB staff immediately. All reports will remain completely confidential.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Unacceptable behavior from any participant will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech, materials or conduct.
• Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
• Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.
• Inappropriate photography or recording, or their use on social media, without the prior permission of the individuals or owners of the content therein.
• Sustained disruption of talks or other conference activities.
• Use of sexual images in public spaces.
• Stalking, following or threatening.
• Sexual harassment of any kind, including unwelcome sexual attention and inappropriate physical contact.
• Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.

REPORTING UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify SMB event staff as soon as possible in person or by email to info@musclebiology.org. SMB event staff will be available to assist those experiencing unacceptable behavior to feel safe for the duration of the conference. All reports will remain completely confidential. 

CONSEQUENCES OF UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the SMB and Conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the conference without a refund.