Code of Conduct for APS Meetings

APS's code of conduct for meetings is derived from our Ethics Guidelines.

The American Physical Society (APS)'s policy is that all participants, including attendees, vendors, APS staff, volunteers, and everyone else at APS meetings, will conduct themselves in a respectful manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Participants will treat each other with respect and consideration to create a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment at APS meetings. Creating a supportive environment to enable scientific discourse at APS meetings is the responsibility of all participants.

Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, unwanted touching or attention, offensive images, photography without permission, and stalking.

Violations of this code of conduct policy should be reported to meeting organizers, APS staff, or the APS director of meetings. Sanctions may range from verbal warning, to ejection from the meeting without refund, or to notifying appropriate authorities. Retaliation for complaints of inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. If a participant observes inappropriate comments or actions and personal intervention seems appropriate and safe, they should be considerate of all parties before intervening.

Anonymously reporting a code of conduct violation

Meeting participants who wish to anonymously report a violation of this code of conduct may do so through the following channels:

• Submit a report to EthicsPoint online.
• Call EthicsPoint at (844) 660-3924.
• Email EthicsPoint.
• Contact the APS head of meetings.
• Contact the APS head of ethics.

EthicsPoint reporting is confidential, easy to use, and always available. All persons filing a complaint using our confidential, easy-to-use reporting options should be prepared to check back with the channel to respond to any follow up questions about their report. Be sure to include a complete description, including who, what, where, when, of the conduct experienced or incident that is the basis of the report.

If you report anonymously, we may be limited in our ability to respond, meet your desired resolution, and/or keep you updated on the status of your complaint.