AU Code of Conduct
Americans United for Separation of Church & State (AU) is proud to attract a diverse group of supporters with varied identities and lived experiences.
This Code of Conduct applies to all interactions during and related to:
AU-organized virtual events, including but not limited to written comments in chat, verbal comments, displayed images (including images visible in the background behind presenters or speakers), and AU-authored social media relating to the event, and
AU-organized in-person events of any size, including but not limited to presentations, workshops, panel discussions, conferences, parties/social events, and any other in-person gatherings.
The Code of Conduct extends to interactions among AU employees, presenters, speakers, attendees, contractors, venue staff, donors, security personnel, and any other individuals involved in AU’s virtual or in-person events, as applicable. It is intended to protect such individuals from all forms of harassment and discriminatory behavior.
Conduct Expectations
Be Respectful
Be respectful and inclusive in your language (verbal or in writing) and actions (virtual or in person).
- Respect all aspects of others’ identities (pronouns and chosen names, religious and cultural observances, disability, etc.).
- Accept constructive feedback with grace and an open mind.
- Seek out AU staff if you have questions on best practices in inclusion, or direct people to AU staff to
address those questions.
Make Space
The nature of AU’s work means that individuals engaged with the organization may hold differing views on some issues. We encourage everyone to:
- Listen as much as they speak.
- Engage with others with an open mind.
- Seek to understand others’ perspectives.
Disagreement on any subject is never an excuse to disrespect someone else’s identity or to engage in personal attacks, and everyone should feel empowered to step away from spaces and interactions as they see fit.
Recognize Privilege & Power Dynamics
Be mindful that all people have privileges and be cognizant of yours (racial, gender, socioeconomic, ability, etc.) and of any positional or circumstantial power or authority you possess. Ensure that you don’t, intentionally or unintentionally, use your privilege, power, or authority in a way that makes others feel uncomfortable, lesser than, or exploited. AU will not tolerate the misuse of power or authority to subject others to unacceptable behavior.
Unacceptable Behavior
Harassment
Harassment is verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive environment, making others feel unwelcome or unsafe, either intentionally or unintentionally. This includes but is not limited to sexual harassment, harassment based on a personal characteristic (including but not limited to race or ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, (dis)ability, religious belief (or lack of) and/or age), bullying, intimidation and threats, insults, unwelcome physical contact of any kind, unwelcome photography or recording, and/or insinuations that are hurtful or detrimental to others.
Discrimination
Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of anyone in any way based on a personal characteristic (including but not limited to race or ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, (dis)ability, religious belief (or lack of), and/or age). AU prohibits all behavior and comments that are discriminatory toward an individual or group.
Disruptive & Illegal Conduct
Disruptive conduct includes but is not limited to talking over or interrupting others, posting or displaying images or text (digitally or in-person) that are distracting or inappropriate, and boisterous or offensive behavior that interrupts an event or interaction. Illegal conduct may include the possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials, such as weapons, or any other conduct in violation of the law.
Incident Response
If you are subjected to or witness unacceptable behavior in any AU-controlled setting or interaction, please contact an AU employee to report your concerns. All violations of this Code will be investigated and addressed. Anyone who is notified that their conduct is in violation of this Code is expected to stop the offending conduct immediately. AU will take whatever action it deems appropriate to address violations of this Code, including but not limited to verbal warning or counseling, removal from the event without refund, disqualification from attending future events, and notification of on-premises security or local law enforcement as necessary.
