AAAI Code of Conduct for Conferences and Events - AAAI
The AAAI code of conduct for conferences and events ensures that we provide a respectful and inclusive conference experience for everyone.
For inquiries about this code, please contact aaaiethics@aaai.org . Please also see the AAAI Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct . Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Code of Conduct for Conferences and Events Approved January 28, 2019 The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) organizes a variety of conferences and events which include but are not limited to formal conferences, networking events, and online discussions about conference events (collectively referred to in this code as “conferences and events”) to promote research, understanding, education, funding, and responsible use of AI. AAAI welcomes attendees who foster inclusion and respect for all participants. AAAI is dedicated to providing a respectful and inclusive conference experience for everyone. Respectful behavior is always assumed and expected of community members during all conferences and events. Conference participants and attendees are expected to interact with others in a respectful and courteous manner, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender presentation, physical appearance, religious affiliation, creed, marital status, differing abilities, medical conditions, personal characteristics, technology choices, or any other differentiating factors. Abusive, racist, sexist, homophobic, intimidating, harassing, or threatening behavior towards any other event participant or directed at any organizer, student volunteer, sponsor, conference staff, or locals will not be tolerated. AAAI disapproves of offensive actions, aggressive acts, or comments that intimidate or disparage others. AAAI will not tolerate any kind of harassment, including but not limited to: Verbal attacks, accusations, bullying, or offensive comments Aggressive or intimidating behavior Sustained disruption during presentations and other events Unwelcome sexual attention Inappropriate physical contact Deliberate intimidation or stalking, either in person or online Sexual and racist images or materials in public spaces Ignoring, encouraging, or advocating any of the above behaviors All persons, organizations, and entities that attend AAAI conferences and events are subject to the standards of conduct set forth above. AAAI expects all community members to formally endorse this code of conduct, and to actively prevent and discourage any undesired behaviors. Everyone should feel empowered to politely engage when themselves or others are disrespected, and to raise awareness and understanding of this code of conduct. AAAI event participants asked to stop their unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately. Sponsors are also subject to this code of conduct in their participation in AAAI events. All AAAI agents and/or representatives are empowered to take all necessary action to prevent and/or stop any conduct that violates this code, including but not limited to demanding that the violator be removed either temporarily or permanently from the conference or event or calling in local law enforcement officials to assist in the matter. To report any behavior that violates this code of conduct, please immediately report the conduct complained of to an AAAI representative at the conference or event or contact (by email or in person) the AAAI Executive Director or any AAAI Officer. Complaints will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the Executive Council and may be referred to law enforcement when warranted. The Executive Council may take actions with respect to any AAAI member as the Executive Council deems appropriate, including but not limited to terminating the membership of any member who violates the standards set forth in this code of conduct, as outlined in Article VI, Section 6 of the AAAI Bylaws. References http://swsa.semanticweb.org/content/code-conduct-iswc Bylaws of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) AAAI Ethics and Plurality http://confcodeofconduct.com/ https://www.w3.org/Consortium/cepc/ https://www.aclweb.org/adminwiki/index.php?title=Anti-Harassment_Policy https://www.iscb.org/ismbeccb2015-general-info/ismbeccb2015-coc https://chi2017.acm.org/diversity-inclusion-statement.html http://swsa.semanticweb.org/content/code-conduct-iswc https://sites.google.com/view/aiide2017/home/code-of-conduct?authuser=0 http://www.humancomputation.com/2017/codeofconduct.html http://www.ifaamas.org/harassment.html https://github.com/Polymer/polymer/wiki/Code-of-Conduct http://doi.org/10.1038/nature.2015.18790 http://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-04212-2 http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/ http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Timeline_of_incidents https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html https://www.projectcallisto.org/
Executive Summary
The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) Code of Conduct for Conferences and Events sets forth a comprehensive set of guidelines for promoting a respectful and inclusive environment at AAAI events. The code emphasizes the importance of respectful behavior, prohibits abusive and harassing conduct, and empowers conference participants to take action against undesired behavior. While the code provides a positive framework for promoting diversity and inclusion, its implementation and enforcement remain crucial to its success. The code's emphasis on active prevention and discouragement of undesired behaviors is a notable aspect, as is its application to sponsors and entities participating in AAAI events. Overall, the code represents a significant step towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all conference participants.
Key Points
- ▸ The code emphasizes respectful behavior and prohibits abusive and harassing conduct
- ▸ It empowers conference participants to take action against undesired behavior
- ▸ It applies to all participants, including sponsors and entities
- ▸ It emphasizes active prevention and discouragement of undesired behaviors
Merits
Strength in Emphasis on Respectful Behavior
The code's emphasis on respectful behavior sets a positive tone for promoting a safe and inclusive environment at AAAI events.
Comprehensive Scope
The code applies to all participants, including sponsors and entities, ensuring that everyone is held to the same standards.
Demerits
Limitation in Enforcement
The code's effectiveness relies on its implementation and enforcement, which may be challenging to achieve, especially in large conferences.
Potential Overreach
The code's broad application to all participants may lead to overreach or unintended consequences, particularly if not clearly defined or communicated.
Expert Commentary
The AAAI Code of Conduct for Conferences and Events represents a significant step towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all conference participants. While its implementation and enforcement are crucial to its success, the code's comprehensive scope and emphasis on respectful behavior set a positive tone for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields. As an example for other fields and industries, the code's focus on proactive prevention and discouragement of undesired behaviors has far-reaching implications for policy development and implementation.
Recommendations
- ✓ Recommendation 1: Conference organizers should establish a clear process for reporting and addressing undesired behaviors, as well as provide training for event staff on the code and its implementation.
- ✓ Recommendation 2: The code's emphasis on proactive prevention and discouragement of undesired behaviors should be applied to other fields and industries, with a focus on policy development and implementation.
