In Fall 2016, the NEA membership voted overwhelmingly to adopt a proposed Code of Conduct (CoC), the full text of which is below. Please direct any questions or concerns to the Inclusion and Diversity Committee (IDC) at diversity@newenglandarchivists.org.
In keeping with our Inclusion and Diversity Statement, New England Archivists (NEA) welcomes everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, nationality, or professional status. We do not tolerate harassing speech or acts at NEA-sponsored conferences, events, meetings, or in NEA’s online spaces including but not limited to the listserv, website, and wiki. Those who violate these rules will be asked to modify their behavior and may be sanctioned, asked to leave the space in which the incident took place, or expelled from the event at the discretion of the designated NEA Community Advocate(s).
Persons who have been sanctioned, removed from a space, or expelled from an event may appeal to the NEA Executive Board in writing. For information on initiating an appeal, please contact the Inclusion and Diversity Committee (IDC) at diversity@newenglandarchivists.org.
Criticism and rigorous examination of beliefs and viewpoints does not, by itself, constitute harassment or hostile conduct. Harassment is the act of subjecting an individual or group to hostile or prejudicial remarks or actions, pressuring or intimidating a person or persons such that they are made to feel unwelcome or unsafe in virtual or in-person spaces. Examples of speech or actions that will not be tolerated include but are not limited to:
Content presented at NEA conferences or meetings or via online forums/listserv posts 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). Participants are reminded that all sessions/communications have the potential to include discussion on these topics. Those presenting such subject matter are asked to be as clear and upfront as possible about session content so that attendees may make an informed decision regarding their participation.
NEA seeks to create online and in-person spaces in which diverse participants may learn from, network with, and enjoy the company of colleagues. The Code of Conduct is not intended to constrain scholarly or professional presentation, discourse, or debate, as long as these exchanges are conducted in a respectful manner.
Anyone may submit an anonymous report of conduct they believe violates the NEA Code of Conduct by completing this form. Simply indicate on page one that you are “A member or guest who experienced or witnessed harassment,” and on page two choose to report anonymously. These reports are collected, reviewed, and documented by the Inclusion and Diversity Committee.
While we will be unable to follow up with you directly in the case of an anonymous report, NEA will monitor such reports for incident patterns and do what we can to ensure the issue is addressed.
NEA Community Advocates (CAs) have received bystander intervention training and been given guidance in how to respond to Code of Conduct violations. They are also responsible for submitting written incident reports to the IDC.
Community Advocates’ first responsibility is to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the individual or individuals experiencing harassment. If appropriate, the Community Advocate will put the individual in contact with local law enforcement or local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise ensure the individual feels safe for the duration of the event.
CAs have a number of options for responding to Code of Conduct violations, depending upon the nature and severity of the violation. CAs are empowered to take immediate action to address the violation by supporting the targeted individuals, requesting an immediate cessation or change in harassing behavior, issuing a verbal warning, and/or if necessary asking the violator to leave the event or space in question. Conference, event, meeting, and online participants who are asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Those who violate the Code of Conduct may be expelled from the conference, event, or meeting at the discretion of the responding CAs, or may be denied access to the online space at the discretion of the site administrator.
All such actions will be documented by the CA as an incident report and submitted to the IDC. Reports will be reviewed by the IDC and forwarded to the NEA Executive Board for additional review if the responding CA or the IDC believes follow-up action(s) may be necessary.
Approved as of ballot closing: November 30th 2016 (12pm)
For a complete list of policies and procedures that have been voted on by the Executive Board, as well as those that the Board has agreed to by consensus (as a “Sense of the Board”) please contact the NEA Secretary.
Our most commonly referred to policies and procedures may be found by clicking the links below.
Board Procedures
By-laws
Financial Information
Minutes (board and business)
Organizational Chart
Privacy Policy
Registration Policy
Records schedule and finding aid at UConn (how to donate materials)
Vendor Policy
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