Ddevault/conduct

Draft: TechInc code of conduct

Rationale

TechInc should be a place which is welcoming and safe for everyone. At the moment, it is not. Some subcultures within TechInc are insular and unwelcoming, having been described as an "old boy's club". More pressingly, in the past six months there have been three incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault. TechInc also has a history of incidents wherein inappropriate comments and discussions have been held between members in the space, including misogynistic or sexually explicit comments and behavior regarding other members.

Though it would be ideal if we could all behave like the mature adults we surely are, at this point I believe that a code of conduct is called for which explicitly lays out what kind of behavior is considered inappropriate.

The proposed draft is limited to describing principles that we should all generally agree with, and aims to be relatively uncontroversial. Its purpose is to provide a document that explains what kind of behavior we expect from members, and that members can point to when someone steps over the line. Additionally, it lays out a stronger framework for the Dispute committee to use to handle complaints about member behavior, so that disputes are subject to an agreed-upon and publicly stated policy regarding acceptable behavior rather than the individual committee member's personal judgement.

The actual text is adapted from a number of sources for FOSS CoC's in the wild, and the main adaptations are loosening some restrictions so that the professionalism which is expected in free software projects is lightened up in deference to TechInc's nature as a social, relaxed space. I kept it simple, short, and straightforward: we should all be able to agree on the points outlined here.

Code of Conduct

In accordance with the hacker's creed of "all creatures welcome", the members of the association pledge to make a welcoming space for members and guests regardless of age, body size, visible or invisible disability, ethnicity, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression, level of experience, education, socio-economic status, nationality, personal appearance, race, caste, color, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.

Standards of behavior

Examples of good behavior include:

• Be empathetic, welcoming, and patient.
• Assume good faith from others, and act in good faith yourself.
• Express disagreements with respect and compassion.

Behaviors considered unacceptable include:

• Harassment of any kind, particularly on the basis of traits enumerated in the introduction.
• Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or other bigoted remarks or behaviors.
• Unwanted sexual advances or remarks.

Enforcement

If you see someone behaving contrary to our shared expectations of good conduct, and you feel safe in so doing, you may tell them how you feel and ask them to stop, or ask others to do so on your behalf. If you are not comfortable doing this, or it does not work, please contact the Dispute committee for assistance. They are experienced mediators of disputes and can seek to remedy the situation informally, or can help you with the process of submitting a formal complaint.