RAIL initiative Participation guidelines
The open exchange of ideas is central to RAIL’s mission. This requires an environment that embraces diversity and provides a safe, welcoming environment for all.
This policy applies to all RAIL activities, including:
conferences, symposia, workshops, and events sponsored, co-sponsored, or in cooperation with RAIL;
RAIL member meetings;
exchanges with or among committees or other bodies associated with RAIL activities;
publications and communications sent through communication channels associated with RAIL, including Slack and social media.
Expected Behavior
We expect all participants in RAIL activities and discussions to abide by this policy in all venues, including ancillary events and unofficial social gatherings:
Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions;
Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech;
Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this policy, even if they seem inconsequential.
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable at any RAIL activity is:
Abuse or Harassment: Any action directed at an individual that (a) interferes substantially with that person’s participation; or (b) causes that person to fear for his/her personal safety. This includes threats, intimidation, bullying, stalking, or other types of abuse. Examples include (but are not limited to):
intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in RAIL activities during a meeting, event or in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of RAIL activities;
deliberate intimidation, stalking or following;
harassing photography or recording;
sustained disruption of talks or other events;
unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact;
physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping);
real or implied threat of physical harm;
real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.
Discriminatory Harassment: Any conduct that discriminates or denigrates an individual on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, citizenship, nationality, age, sexual or gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law in the location where the RAIL activity takes place. Examples include (but are not limited to):
offensive, degrading, humiliating, harmful, or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, or other personal characteristics
Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples include (but are not limited to):
unwelcome advances or propositions, particularly when one individual has authority over the other;
inappropriate touching of an individual’s body;
inappropriate or gratuitous use of nudity, sexual images, or stereotyped images including using an activity-related communication channel to display or distribute sexually explicit or otherwise offensive or discriminatory images or messages;
degrading or humiliating comments about an individual’s appearance;
using an activity-related communication channel to display or distribute sexually explicit images
Harassment can occur when there is no deliberate intention to offend. Be careful in the words that you choose. Harassment committed in a joking manner or disguised as a compliment still constitutes unacceptable behavior. Remember that sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
If a participant in an RAIL activity engages in prohibited behavior, RAIL reserves the right to take any action RAIL deems appropriate. RAIL reserves the right to:
remove an individual from any RAIL activity without warning or refund;
prohibit an individual from participating in future RAIL activities, including publishing in RAIL publications;
exclude an individual from RAIL leadership positions;
exclude any individual from deriving other benefits from RAIL activities;
suspend or terminate membership in RAIL.
Such sanctions may be applied regardless of whether or not the offender is a member of RAIL.
Appropriate sanctions also will be taken toward any individual who knowingly makes a false allegation of harassment.
How to Report Unacceptable Behavior
Any individual who experiences harassment (as described above) at any RAIL activity should report such behavior to a member of the RAIL board.
This policy applies only to unacceptable behavior at RAIL activities. Complaints regarding other issues should be addressed as described under the applicable RAIL policy.
Addressing Grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Anti-Harassment Policy, you should notify the RAIL board with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be thoroughly investigated. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing procedures.
Warnings and Disclaimers
This Anti-Harassment Policy is not intended to limit open discussion of the merits of particular work or issues presented at RAIL events. It applies only to behavior at RAIL events and activities.
RAIL assumes no liability or responsibility for the actions of any member or other activity participant.
RAIL is not responsible for protecting the safety of members or participants in RAIL activities. Any individual who feels his/her safety is at risk due to harassment or for any other reason is encouraged to take appropriate steps to ensure personal safety.
This Policy supersedes any policy or guidelines concerning harassment issued by RAIL or one of its committees.
Note: There may be situations (such as those involving Title IX issues in the United States and venue- or employer-specific policies) where an on-site person who is informed of harassment will be under an obligation to file a report with an individual or organization outside of RAIL.