BEACON Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION: BEACON brings together scientists with a variety of backgrounds and interests to advance the field of evolutionary science. This endeavor is only possible when all participants behave at a high standard of professionalism.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to restate important principles and expectations for professional conduct and acceptable behavior by all BEACON participants. While non-exhaustive, this Code is a shared statement of commitment by all BEACON participants to uphold the ethical, professional, and legal standards required to fulfill these principles and objectives in compliance with all NSF regulatory requirements.

CODE OF CONDUCT: The BEACON CENTER seeks to ensure that the following objectives and guiding principles are complied with and promoted by all BEACON participants:

  • The foremost objective of your role in BEACON is to contribute to the mission of advancing evolutionary science and to know and comply with the laws, regulations, contractual obligations of your home institutions, and policies and procedures relevant to your work functions.
  • Participants will all be treated with dignity and respect.
  • Participants will work cooperatively to share experiences, lessons learned and to productively resolve differences.
  • Participants will contribute effectively by exercising the highest level of professional and ethical behavior.
  • It is everyone’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace and to protect the Antarctic environment.

DEFINITION: Harassment includes offensive verbal comments or jokes related to nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other attendees. Behave professionally. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

All BEACON members are responsible for adhering to the Code and are required to report any violation to their PI or direct supervisor. BEACON will not allow retaliation against any individual who makes a report of known or suspected harassment. Anyone who violates the Code or fails to report violations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from BEACON.

Appeal Suspension/Re-Entry into BEACON: If you are suspended, you will be afforded the opportunity to appeal your suspension to BEACON’s Executive Committee. You must submit an appeal letter that includes 1) the reason(s) for your suspension, 2) what steps you have taken during your suspension to remediate the behavior, and 3) why you should be readmitted into BEACON.

The letter should be addressed to — Dr. Erik Goodman, Executive Director of BEACON Center; 1441 Biomedical Physical Sciences Building, 567 Wilson Road, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824; goodman@egr.msu.edu

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