Code of Conduct

 

Introduction

American Atheists is committed to presenting a convention that is fun, friendly, and informative for all participants. This means creating a safe and harassment-free experience for participants at all of our events, whether they are held in person or virtually. American Atheists’ events are learning, training, and social experiences intended to help atheists build skills to better advocate for change, learn more about the issues facing our community, and connect with other atheists from around the country.

Our events exist to encourage the open exchange of ideas, discussion of experiences we share, and building of a strong and vibrant atheist community. This requires an environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every person and where attendees feel welcome. While attending American Atheists events — in-person or virtually, or related ancillary or social events — no participants, including speakers, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, booth staff, guests, and anyone else, are permitted to engage in harassment or prohibited conduct of any form.

This Code of Conduct may be revised at any time by American Atheists and its terms are non-negotiable. Your registration for or attendance at any American Atheists event, whether held in person or virtually, indicates your agreement to abide by this policy and its terms.

All event participants, whether they are attending an in-person event or a virtual event, are expected to behave in accordance with this policy, as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

 

Harassment and Unacceptable Behavior

American Atheists will not tolerate harassment in any form, whether in person or virtually, including, but not limited to, harassment based on gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or any other class or status protected by law in the jurisdiction in which the conference or program is being held.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to: the use of abusive, offensive, or degrading language; intimidation; sustained disruption of talks or other events; stalking; harassing photography or recording; and inappropriate physical contact, sexual imagery, unwelcome sexual advances, or requests for sexual favors. Any report of harassment at one of our events, whether in person or virtual, will be addressed immediately. 

Participants who are asked to stop any harassing or other unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately. Anyone who witnesses or is subjected to unacceptable behavior should notify a conference organizer at once.

American Atheists recognizes that criticism of religion and frank discussion about a range of topics is common at its convention and welcomes these conversations. However, the harassment of individuals for their religious beliefs or other protected classification will not be tolerated. 

Speakers should not use sexual language, images, or any language or images that would constitute harassment as defined above in their talks. Speakers are encouraged to use inclusive language to ensure that no member of our community feels excluded from our events.

Individuals who participate (or plan to participate) in social activities during the course of any American Atheists event, whether it’s an in-person event or a virtual event, should conduct themselves at all times in a manner that comports with both the letter and spirit of this policy prohibiting harassment and abusive behavior, whether before, during, or after the event. This includes statements made in social media postings, online publications, text messages, and all other forms of electronic communication.

American Atheists welcomes participants of all ages, including families with children, and expects all participants to treat these families with courtesy and respect. Parents or guardians bringing children are responsible for their children’s behavior. Parents or guardians should be aware that not all sessions or exhibits may be suitable for children, but we encourage all speakers, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, booth staff, and guests to be mindful that young people may be present. American Atheists is not responsible for the content of any third party presentation, materials, or exhibit. 

The American Atheists National Convention is a strictly no-weapons event. No weapons, including firearms, whether or not they are concealed, are permitted within any conference area. Persons carrying weapons are not authorized to enter the convention area or any meeting spaces.

To ensure that all members of the atheist community are welcome at our conventions, American Atheists is consciously working to create a safe environment for members of the LGBTQI+ community. This includes ensuring that all members of our community are free to use bathroom facilities that align with their gender identity. Rather than making assumptions about other people’s gender identity or expression, respect others’ names and pronouns and address attendees as they request. 

If you have questions about someone’s experiences, listen when those stories are volunteered, but respect people’s privacy and boundaries.

American Atheists understands that human interaction can be complex and sometimes confusing. Please give each other the benefit of explaining behavior you find offensive or unwelcome. Please listen if someone raises such a concern about your own behavior.

 

Consequences of Harassment or Unacceptable Behavior

If a participant engages in harassing or other unacceptable behavior, whether in person or virtually, American Atheists may take any action it deems appropriate, ranging from issuance of a warning to the offending individual to expulsion from the event with no refund.

American Atheists reserves the right to exclude any participant found to be engaging in harassing or other unacceptable behavior from participating in any further American Atheists events, conferences, trainings, or other activities.

If a participant engages in conduct that violates this policy, whether before, during or after an American Atheists event, American Atheists may take appropriate corrective action, which could include imposing a temporary or permanent ban on an individual’s participation in future American Atheists events.

 

What To Do If You Witness Or Are Subject To Harassment

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed or engaging in unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns relating to harassment or unacceptable behavior, please speak to a member of the conference staff immediately.

Any complaints or concerns can be brought to any member of American Atheists’ staff or to volunteers at the registration desk. Conference staff can also be reached via the following dedicated channels:

 

Incident Response

Our staff will respond to reports of harassment or other unacceptable behavior quickly and thoroughly. 

Conference staff will also provide support to victims, including, but not limited to:

  • Providing an escort

  • Contacting hotel/venue security or local law enforcement

  • Briefing key event staff for response/victim assistance

Our staff will take any other actions we feel appropriate to otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to ensure that they feel safe for the duration of the conference.

 

Pre-Event Concerns

If you plan to attend an upcoming event, whether in person or virtually, and have concerns regarding another individual who may be present, please contact Alison Gill, Vice President for Legal & Policy, at conduct@atheists.org. Precautions will be taken to preserve confidentiality and protect your comfort and safety.