Code of Conduct

The National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG) is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality. Our goal is to foster an environment that promotes open dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of scientific ideas in a professional and respectful manner. This Code of Conduct applies to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers at all NABG-related events, both in-person and online.

 

Expected Behavior
All participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.

  • Be respectful and considerate. Treat all attendees, staff, and vendors with respect and consideration. Value diverse views, opinions, and perspectives.
  • Communicate openly and thoughtfully. Engage in discussions and critiques that focus on ideas, not on individuals. Use professional and civil language.
  • Encourage an inclusive environment. Be intentional about welcoming a diversity of individuals and backgrounds in all conference activities.
  • Act with integrity. Present scientific work and research honestly, without fabrication or falsification of data. Give proper credit to the contributions of co-authors and collaborators.
  • Report concerns immediately. If you witness or experience a violation of this code, report it promptly to conference staff so it can be addressed.
  • Support others. If you see someone being harassed or excluded, speak up or seek help from leadership to ensure accountability.
  • Follow venue rules. Obey all rules and policies of the conference venue, hotels, or any other facility associated with the event.
  • Act responsibly. If you choose to consume alcohol or other substances, do so responsibly and without compromising your ability to act professionally.
  • Respect accessibility. Be mindful of the needs of participants requiring accommodations and support NABG’s commitment to accessibility. 
 

Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable at the conference. Engaging in these behaviors may result in disciplinary action, including immediate removal from the event.

  • Harassment and intimidation. Includes any verbal, physical, or written conduct that intimidates, harasses, abuses, bullies, discriminates against, or demeans any individual or group.
  • Discriminatory comments. Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, nationality, or other personal characteristics.
  • Inappropriate imagery. Displaying nudity or sexual images in public/online spaces or presentations.
  • Unwanted contact. Unwelcome or uninvited physical contact, sexual attention, or advances.
  • Disruption of sessions. Sustained disruption of talks, poster sessions, or other events.
  • Unapproved recording. Taking or distributing photos or recordings of presentations, posters, or individuals without explicit consent.
  • Invading privacy. Taking or distributing photos or recordings of individuals in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., bathrooms, nursing rooms).
  • Threats. Engaging in violence, threats of violence, or threats of professional harm.
  • Retaliation. Retaliating against anyone who reports a violation or participates in an investigation. 
 

Online and Social Media Conduct

The Code of Conduct also applies to online platforms, including NABG social media channels, LinkedIn, chats, and other digital spaces. Professional and respectful behavior is always expected, and inappropriate conduct online will be treated as seriously as in-person violations. 

Reporting Violations
If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to report it immediately so that NABG can act quickly to address and resolve issues.

  • Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality, to the extent that it does not compromise the investigation.
  • How to report: You can report an incident to any NABG leadership member or via the confidential reporting channels outlined below.
    • In-person: Approach a leadership member at the registration desk or in the conference area.
    • Online/Email: Send a report to communications@nabg-us.org
  • Response procedure: Upon receiving a report, NABG leadership will investigate the incident and take appropriate action. This may include issuing a warning, removing the offender from the conference without a refund, revoking membership, or prohibiting future attendance. For serious offenses that may be unlawful (i.e., physical assault, credible threats, or other illegal conduct), NABG reserves the right to involve law enforcement and take any additional measures necessary to protect the community. 


By adhering to the NABG Code of Conduct, we can collectively ensure a safe, productive, and respectful experience for all participants. NABG is committed to fostering a community where every member feels welcome, respected, and safe.