Code of Conduct

Our Commitment

AHLA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and AHLA staff. We are dedicated to maintaining an environment in which everyone is treated fairly and with respect and dignity. All participants, including but not limited to attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, AHLA staff members, service providers, and all others, are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Scope of Application

This Code of Conduct applies to participation in all AHLA activities, including:

• In-person and virtual meetings and conferences
• Educational programming and networking events
• AHLA Communities and online platforms
• Any AHLA-related activities or interactions

Our Standards

AHLA promotes equal opportunities and treatment for all participants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. AHLA's commitment to these protections remains unwavering. These standards reflect AHLA's organizational values and apply to all AHLA events, platforms, and activities.

Expected Behavior

All participants are expected to:

• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative
• Treat others with dignity and professionalism
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech
• Engage in respectful dialogue, even when discussing opposing or different viewpoints
• Follow venue rules and comply with instructions from moderators and AHLA staff
• Be mindful of surroundings and fellow participants
• Alert AHLA staff if they notice a dangerous situation, harassing behavior, or someone in distress

Unacceptable Behavior

Any form of harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment, or any form of discrimination is absolutely prohibited. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Harassment and Discrimination

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form
• Offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristic
• Stalking, unwelcome following, or harassing photography or recording
• Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention

Verbal and Physical Abuse

• Verbal abuse of any participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, AHLA staff members, service providers, or other guests
• Threatening or intimidating behavior toward any participant
• Yelling at or threatening participants
• Physical abuse or efforts to annoy others that create a disturbance or reasonable apprehension

Disruptive Conduct

• Disrupting meetings, presentations, or related events
• Refusing to comply with instructions from moderators or AHLA staff
• Creating dangerous situations or disturbances

Reporting Violations

If you experience harassment, witness unacceptable behavior, or become aware of any incidents that violate this Code of Conduct, AHLA asks that you promptly report it.

All reports will be handled with discretion. Every complaint or concern will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

Investigation and Cooperation

Participants must cooperate with any AHLA investigation into reports of a violation of this Code of Conduct by providing information requested by AHLA that is relevant to the investigation. AHLA will report on the outcome of investigations to individuals who have reported a violation. The information provided will be limited to:

• Whether AHLA found a violation of the Code
• Whether any sanctions or corrective actions were imposed
• In AHLA's discretion, the nature of those sanctions or corrective actions

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated at AHLA meetings, events, or on AHLA platforms. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. AHLA reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including but not limited to:

• Immediate removal from the meeting or event without warning or refund
• Revocation of access to AHLA Communities and online platforms
• Prohibition from attendance at any future AHLA meeting, event, or activity, whether virtual or in person
• Other sanctions as appropriate to the violation

The determination of appropriate consequences will be made at AHLA's sole discretion based on the nature and severity of the violation.

Questions

If you have questions about this Code of Conduct, please contact Maureen Dubois, Senior Director of Human Resources, at [email protected] or (202) 833-0761. This Code of Conduct reflects AHLA's commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional environment for all participants. We appreciate your cooperation in making AHLA events and platforms welcoming spaces for learning, collaboration, and professional development.