AAS Code of Conduct
The Association for Asian Studies (AAS) is committed to inclusion, equity, and respectful treatment of all participants in its programs and seeks to provide a safe and professional atmosphere in which attendees may learn, network, and participate in a welcoming environment of mutual respect. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, AAS staff, service providers, and all others, are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. This applies to all AAS meetings and events, including those sponsored by organizations other than AAS but held in conjunction with AAS events, whether in-person or virtual, public or private. Conduct that is prohibited includes:
- Harassment, intimidation, threatening speech, or discrimination in any form, including (but not limited to) relating to race, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, disability, physical appearance, veteran/military status, marital/partner status, parental status, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected category.
- Sexual harassment or intimidation, including inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in presentations, unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.
- Physical violence, yelling, or other threatening behavior.
- Disruption of presentations during sessions, in the exhibit hall, or at other events.
- Use of a recording device (personal computer, mobile phone, camera, etc.) to capture images or presentations, chats, demonstrations, etc., taking place in-person or virtually during an AAS event.
- Presentations, postings, and messages that contain promotional materials, job offers, solicitations for services, or product announcements during presentations.
- Making copies or taking screenshots of Q&A or any chat room activity that takes place in a virtual space.
The following policies are also disclosed to all participants and further elaborate the guidelines in place by the Association for Asian Studies:
Anti-Harassment Policy
The AAS strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment that is free from bias and intimidation for all participants at its programs and events. The Association does not tolerate discrimination or any forms of harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment. No form of discriminatory or harassing conduct by or towards any employee, member, volunteer, attendee, vendor, or other person participating in AAS programs or events will be tolerated. The AAS is committed to enforcing its policy at all levels within the Association. Anyone who engages in discrimination or harassment conduct will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion from the AAS program or event, and possible revocation of membership in the Association.
Sexual Harassment and Assault
The AAS does not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is an unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that has made a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated. Sexual harassment includes stalking. Stalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonably situated person to feel substantial emotional distress or fear for their safety or the safety of others. Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature or affirmatively consensual personal and social relationships. Keeping in mind that consent may look different to someone in a less secure position, the best practice is for all parties to agree freely and explicitly when interactions shift away from the strictly professional.
A victim of sexual harassment or assault is not required to physically resist, and a person may be unable to provide consent (e.g., due to intoxication, psychological coercion, physical incapacitation, or other physical and mental incapacities).
Respectful Behavior Policy
Freedom of expression and vigorous debate are crucial to scholarly exchange. The AAS is dedicated to securing a safe, hospitable, and productive environment for exchange that is free from discrimination and intimidation. We expect everyone at our programs and events to demonstrate self-control and civility, even in the midst of strong disagreement, and not to engage in ad hominem attacks or bullying behavior. This expectation applies to our speakers, employees, members, volunteers, and attendees and to all meeting venues including ancillary events as well as official and unofficial social gatherings.
Anyone who witnesses potential harm to a participant in an AAS program or event should be proactive in helping to mitigate or avoid that harm.
Reporting
Individuals asked by anyone to stop engaging in hostile or harassing behaviors are expected to comply immediately. AAS reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from an in-person or virtual event without warning or refund, in response to any unacceptable behavior, and AAS reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting or event, virtually or in person.
If anyone experiences or witnesses any violation of the AAS’s anti-harassment policy at an AAS program or event, they should report the incident immediately to ReportAConcern@asianstudies.org. Reports will be treated as confidential to the extent possible to allow AAS to assess the incident.
If anyone sees a situation in which someone might be in imminent physical danger, they should alert AAS staff or security personnel (if available) immediately.