The Southern Political Science Association is committed to promoting a culture of professionalism at its annual Conference and building an ethos that supports networking and mentoring among the Membership. A primary mission of the Association is to maintain standards of respect between persons engaged in the professional study and practice of government and politics. Harassment and other forms of unprofessional conduct undermine this mission and the principles upon which the Association was founded thus constitute serious violations of association policy.
1. Purpose
The following Professional Conduct and Anti-harassment Policy describes the Association’s expectations for all who attend or participate in the SPSA annual Conference. It is modeled after policies of other associations with whom we share common purpose in promoting a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment that supports the free exchange of ideas. “Participant” in this policy includes anyone present at the SPSA or its sponsored events including staff, Association leadership, contractors, vendors, exhibitors, SPSA Members, guests, and all other participants.
2. Expected Behavior
All participants at the SPSA meetings and related events are expected to abide by this professional conduct policy in all meeting venues including ancillary events and official and unofficial social gatherings. This includes the following:
● Adhering to the norms of treating all with dignity and professional respect to promote conditions conducive to free academic exchange
● Agreeing to alert security personnel and relevant SPSA staff if a situation arises where someone is in imminent danger.
3. Unacceptable Behavior
Behaviors that violate the Professional Conduct Policy include, but are not limited to the following:
● Actions that cause physical assault or harm (including unwelcome touch or groping)
● Threats or actions that threaten physical harm
● Threats or actions that cause or threaten professional harm, punishment, or retaliation
● Intimidating, harassing, abusive, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant at any SPSA meeting or related event
● Prejudicial actions or comments that coerce others, foment broad hostility or otherwise undermine professional equity or the principles of free academic exchange
● Unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy
● Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
● Harassing photography or recording
● Sustained, unprofessional disruption of panels, talks, or other SPSA related events
● Other intentionally disruptive behavior
