The SHVM prohibits illegal or inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to discrimination or harassment of individuals based on racial categorization, skin color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender expression, disability, or any other legally protected class.
The SHVM is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and professional environment for its meeting’s attendees. All conference rooms, accommodations, and event transportation comply with accessibility and safety requirements to meet the needs of all attendees. The SHVM prohibits illegal or inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to discrimination or harassment of individuals based on racial categorization, skin color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender expression, disability, or any other legally protected class. The organizers will not tolerate violations of applicable laws pertaining to the sale and use of alcohol, drugs, destruction of property, or permit offensive behavior demeaning to another person. SHVM’s international board provides this clear code of conduct available on the conference website to all participants and their accompanying guests. The SHVM board also provides confidential reporting process for any alleged violations. The SHVM board reviews any and all alleged violations. If found necessary, the SHVM also has procedures for removing perpetrators from the conference and will offer victims of harassment referrals for legal or health care support. Complainants will also be provided the link to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) that gives additional information to file a formal complaint.
Any reports of violations of SHVM’s behavior code of conduct will be recorded as part of the conference record. Individuals may file a report with the HHS Office for Civil Rights or contact the NIH, whether SHVM’s board was notified or not.