Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedure
Objective
The American Association for Anatomy (“AAA”) is committed to providing a professional environment that is free from harassment and discrimination in which all individuals, including employees, members, and volunteers, are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
This policy applies to conduct by members and volunteers of AAA, including officers, directors, vendors, and committee members, and applies to complaints of harassment that involve members and volunteers of AAA at all AAA events including, without limitation, Board meetings, committee meetings, conferences, AAA social events, and AAA networking events.
In order to provide all participants at events (including members and other attendees, speakers, staff, exhibitors, Fellows, employees, and volunteers) the opportunity to interact professionally and benefit from the event, AAA is committed to providing a safe and productive environment free of discrimination, hostility, harassment, and retaliation based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law (“Protected Factors”).
AAA has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and is committed to enforcing this policy at all AAA events. During AAA functions, members and stakeholders are expected to behave professionally and to exercise good judgment in work-related relationships. All AAA members are required to comply with this policy.
Equal Opportunity
It is AAA’s policy to ensure equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of any Protected Factors. AAA prohibits any such discrimination and harassment.
Harassment Defined
Harassment on the basis of any Protected Factor is strictly prohibited. Harassment includes verbal, written, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual on the basis of any Protected Factors and that: (1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; (2) has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s performance or ability to participate in AAA events; or (3) otherwise affects an individual’s ability to participate in AAA events and activities.
Harassing conduct include epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; offensive texts and emails; as well as the application of any stereotypes or generalizations based on any of the prohibited grounds.
Sexual harassment means any unwelcome conduct, comment, gesture, or contact of a sexual nature, whether on a one-time basis or in a continuous series of incidents that might reasonably be expected to offend, embarrass, or offend an individual. Sexual harassment also includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical unwelcome conduct.
Prohibited Conduct
As a professional organization, AAA is committed to diversity, equity, professional treatment of ideas, and respectful treatment of all members, volunteers, and employees at all AAA events. AAA seeks to provide a professional atmosphere in which diverse participants may learn, network, and participate in an environment of mutual respect. Conduct that is prohibited includes:
- Harassment or intimidation based on any Protected Factor.
- Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking, or unsolicited physical contact.
- Harassment, intimidation, or coercion based upon a position as an officer, Board member, chairperson, Fellow, or any position of influence.
- Abusive, lewd, or threatening conduct.
- Bullying, harassment, or unprofessional conduct toward employees, volunteers, members, or other participants at AAA events.
- Physical violence or threats of violence.
Reporting Acts of Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation
If a participant experiences or observes any form of harassment which violates the Code of Conduct Policy, the participant is encouraged to anonymously report their experience or observation via the third party (independent) online reporting portal.
Or you can submit a report via phone or email.
Anonymous Reporting App: Keyword: anatomy
Toll-Free Telephone:
English speaking USA and Canada: 833-210-1885
Spanish speaking USA and Canada: 800-216-1288
Spanish speaking Mexico: 01-800-681-5340
French speaking Canada: 855-725-0002
Contact us if you need a toll-free # for North American callers speaking languages other than English, Spanish or French
E-mail: [email protected] (must include company name with report)
Report an Incident »
All reports will be investigated and handled confidentially to the extent possible. The allegation will be received by the Ethics Committee for review, who will determine which actions, if any, are necessary, such as, albeit not limited to:
Private reprimand
Expulsion from events without warning or refund
Implementation of conditions upon attendance at future events
Removal of the individual as an officer, director, or Fellow
Restriction from attendance at future events
Revocation of membership
If it is determined that action is needed, the Ethics Committee will present their recommendation to the Board of Directors who will review the recommendation. Following a thorough review, the Board of Directors will determine which sanctions, if any, are warranted. This decision will be communicated to the Ethics Committee and the relevant sanction(s) will be implemented.
A participant who has made a false claim or accusation will be considered to have violated this Code of Conduct Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action(s).
Retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or for participating in an investigation of a claim of harassment is strictly prohibited and violators may be subject to discipline. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly addressed.
Update September 2023