AMIA Code of Conduct
AMIA events enable members to build professional networks, receive continuing education, and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all participants – attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff and volunteers – the opportunity to benefit from the event, we are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion or other group identity.
As an Association, AMIA is strongly committed to diversity, equity and the free expression of ideas. These values are reflected in our Code of Conduct. AMIA seeks to provide a conference environment in which diverse participants may learn, network and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual human respect. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and hold that environment for the benefit of all.
About Content Presented at AMIA Conferences
It is understood that content presented at AMIA conferences or meetings or in online forums may at times deal with sensitive subject matter, ranging from visually sensitive historical material (such as images related to acts of genocide) to sexually explicit language or images (such as in archival letters, nude photographs, or film or audio recordings). This policy is not intended to constrain scholarly or professional presentation, discourse, or debate, as long as these exchanges are conducted in a respectful manner.
About Harassment
No person will be harassed in any manner because of:
- Race, religion or national origin;
- Disability;
- Family relationship or marital status;
- Age, stature in the field or veteran status;
- Gender identity/expression, sex or sexual orientation;
- Individual life style;
- Physical appearance.
The unlawful harassment prohibited in this policy may include, but is not limited to:
- Slurs, epithets, derogatory comments or threats;
- Pushing, hitting, inappropriate or unwanted physical contact; invasion of personal physical space and blocking behaviors, deliberate physical intimidation or gestures, stalking and unwelcome sexual attention.
- Unwelcome jokes, visual depictions, teasing and/or whistling;
- Harassing photography or recording;
- Abusive verbal comments and/or discriminatory images in public spaces, e-mail, voice mail, chat rooms, Internet use or history, or text messages;
- Sustained verbal or physical disruption of talks at conferences, events, and meetings.
About Violations of the Code of Conduct
Those who violate these rules may be expelled from the conference, event, or meeting at the discretion of the AMIA Managing Director or organizers. Online participants who are asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately or may be denied access to the online space at the discretion of the administrator or the AMIA Managing Director. Persons who have been expelled or denied access may appeal to the AMIA Board of Directors.
How to Proceed
If you feel that you are in immediate danger at any time during an AMIA Annual Meeting or event, contact law enforcement (by dialing 911) or the facility front desk without delay. If you are not in immediate danger but feel that you are being harassed or that someone else is being harassed, or if you have other concerns, please contact the AMIA Managing Director immediately.
All reports of harassment received by AMIA staff will be treated confidentially or anonymously, as applicable, to the extent reasonable and practicable under the circumstances. It is the policy of AMIA to protect those who communicate bona fide concerns from any retaliation for such reporting. Any person who violates this prohibition against retaliation will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include revocation of membership.
Go to the Onsite Registration Desk and ask the AMIA staff member there to contact the AMIA Managing Director. You may be asked for a cell phone number at which the Managing Director can reach you.