Event Code of Conduct
WateReuse Association Event Code of Conduct
WateReuse is committed to creating and maintaining an engaging, productive, and safe environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, one that is welcoming and free from any form of harassment and discrimination. The policy guides everyone who participates in or attends a WateReuse conference or event. WateReuse wants to ensure that all participants understand what behavior is expected and what behavior will not be tolerated.
Expected Conduct
By attending and participating in a WateReuse conference or event, you agree to the following:
- Think First! Be mindful of your surroundings and other attendees. If you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress, please alert onsite security staff.
- Be considerate and respectful to others.
- Communicate openly and thoughtfully, discussing differences in a non-confrontational fashion.
- Refrain from harassing, discriminatory, inappropriate, or demeaning conduct.
- Comply with all rules, policies, and procedures of the venue at which the conference or event is being held.
- Comply with WateReuse published policies, inclusive of the WateReuse anti-trust policy.
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the location where the conference or event is being held.
Unacceptable Behaviors
WateReuse prohibits harassment and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other protected class under local, state or the federal laws of the United States.
The following behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated:
- Disruptive and/or disrespectful behavior during any interaction, including presentations and discussions.
- Physical or verbal abuse or bullying of any participant, event organizer, staff member, vendor, volunteer, or guest.
- Discrimination, verbal or nonverbal harassment, or hostility against any person or group of people.
- Harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault of any kind. This includes intimidation, violence, offensive/unwelcome behavior, unwelcome advances, threats, or stalking; inappropriate contact; inappropriate requests for sexual favors; all other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature; offensive and unwelcome comments, jokes, drawings, pictures, cartoons, innuendos, or other sexually oriented verbal or written statements (including text messages, emails, social media posts, etc.).
- Removal or possession of property that is owned by another person or entity.
- Any activity in violation of local, state, or federal laws.
Report Procedures
If any attendee believes he or she or another attendee has been subject to conduct that violates this Code, or witnesses such conduct, the attendee should immediately report the violation to any WateReuse staff member while onsite at the conference or event. If it is not possible to report such conduct to WateReuse staff at the conference or event, you should report such conduct as soon as possible. This can be done via email at meetings@watereuse.org and/or via the online Code of Conduct Incident Reporting Form. All reported concerns will be treated seriously and reviewed promptly. All attendees are expected to cooperate fully and honestly with any report review.
Any participant who feels physically unsafe or believes a crime has been committed at a WateReuse event should contact local police immediately.
Consequences
Attendees asked to stop harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. At the sole discretion of the WateReuse Association, any violation of this Code of Conduct may result in removal from or denial of access to the conference or event without a refund of any applicable registration fees, and/or disqualification from attendance at future WateReuse programs. An attendee’s employer may be notified in the case of any proven violation. And in the case of a WateReuse employee, if such employee is found to have violated this Code of Conduct, such employee will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination from employment.
No Retaliation
WateReuse will not tolerate any actual or attempted reprisals or retaliation against individuals who raise, in good faith, a concern that this Code of Conduct has been violated, or who participates in the investigation of such a concern. WateReuse takes all allegations of harassment, inappropriate behavior, and discrimination seriously and is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of all harassment, discrimination, and any other conduct that violates this Code of Conduct.