Code of Conduct

(For in-Person and Virtual Events)

PDF Version

NASIG is dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or economic status. We do not tolerate the harassment of NASIG members and others who participate in in-person or virtual NASIG events (conferences, webinars, meetings, sponsored social activities and online spaces in any form). Offensive language and imagery (sexual content, racially divisive material, etc.) are not appropriate for any in-person or virtual venue, including talks, workshops, receptions, social media platforms or other online media, unless it is specifically relevant to the research being presented. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from NASIG events without a refund at the discretion of the NASIG Executive Board (the Board) or their designated representatives (including Conference Planning Committee “CPC” members and event organizers and moderators).

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion (or lack thereof)
• Offensive language and imagery in public spaces (unless it is specifically relevant to the research being presented)
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
• Harassing photography or recording
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events
• Inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior

Enforcement

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Speakers, presenters, and exhibitors are also subject to the code of conduct.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, NASIG retains the right to take any actions to ensure a welcoming environment for all participants at NASIG events. This includes warning or expelling the offender from the NASIG event with no refund.

NASIG may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting a NASIG event or making the environment hostile for any participants

NASIG event participants are expected to respect this policy at all NASIG events 

Serious and/or persistent violations may result in inability to attend or participate in future NASIG events. Persons who have been expelled or denied access may appeal to the Board.

Reporting

Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of NASIG events for everyone. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, if someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, or if you have any other concerns, please contact a member of the Board as soon as possible. At in-person events, Board members can be identified by the flag on their badges or reached online at info@nasig.org. You can make a report either personally or anonymously.

If you feel that you are in immediate danger at any time during an in-person NASIG event, contact law enforcement (by dialing 911) or the facility front desk without delay.

Anonymous Report

You can make an anonymous report here. We can't follow up an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action possible to prevent a recurrence.

Personal Report

You can make a personal report by:

Calling or messaging this phone number: (716) 324-1859. This phone number will be continuously monitored for the duration of the conference.Contacting a Board member at info@nasig.org or in person, via CPC at the conference registration desk or identified by flags on the name tags, or via the event organizer for other NASIG events.

When taking a personal report in person, the Board member will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other Board members to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we'll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won't be asked to confront anyone, and we won't tell anyone who you are.

We will be happy to help you contact hotel/venue security, local law enforcement, and local support services; provide escorts; or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all NASIG event venues and spaces whether in-person or online.

Health Addendum to Code of Conduct

In addition to NASIG’s established Code of Conduct, NASIG asks all participants, presenters, and exhibitors to adhere to the following suggestions for in-person NASIG events to protect the health of all. While NASIG no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for in-person events, please:

• Stay home if you feel unwell.
• Stay home if you are knowingly exposed to communicable illnesses (COVID-19, flu, etc.)
• Follow guidance from the WHO and CDC on measures to reduce infection from communicable illnesses and to protect yourself and others against severe complications.

NASIG may adjust or modify the health addendum in conjunction with federal, state, and local regulations to protect attendees’ health and safety at in-person events.

Acknowledgements

This policy is primarily based on:

• http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment/Policy
• http://code4lib.org/conference/2014/code_of_conduct

Additional modifications inspired by:

• http://www2.archivists.org/statements/saa-code-of-conduct
• http://www.wiscon.info/rules.php
• https://naaweb.org/page/CodeofConductPolicy
• https://convention.apa.org/attend/convention-policies

Updated 6 January 2026