Initial Publication Date: March 8, 2019

Code of Conduct for NAGT Activities

Approved by NAGT's Executive Committee 6/25/18
Revised and Approved by NAGT's Executive Committee, 3/16/19

NAGT supports a diverse, inclusive, and thriving community of educators and education researchers to improve teaching and learning about the Earth. In fulfilling its vision and mission, NAGT activities foster the exchange of ideas, through open and respectful dialogues at oral and poster sessions, workshops, field trips, short courses, mentorships and other NAGT-supported programs. NAGT promotes, provides, expects and endorses a professional and respectful atmosphere and values a diversity of views and opinions. This Code of Conduct is important to promoting diversity and creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all peoples.

All participants in NAGT activities – including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, NAGT staff, members of the media, vendors, and service providers (hereinafter "participants") – are expected to abide by this NAGT Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies in all venues, including field trips, webinars, ancillary events and social gatherings, and on-line forums and discussions associated with the NAGT.

This Code of Conduct is intended to align with the American Geosciences Institute's Statement on Harassment in the Geosciences.

Expected Behavior

All participants in attendance are to:

  • Treat other participants with respect and consideration.
  • Be considerate, collegial, and collaborative.
  • Communicate openly, with civil attitudes, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others.
  • Avoid personal attacks and harassment directed toward other participants in attendance.
  • Obey the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, NAGT contracted facility, or any other venue where a participant's meeting badge and NAGT affiliation is likely to be displayed.
  • Alert meeting security personnel, NAGT staff, or NAGT leadership if they notice someone in distress, or perceive a potentially dangerous situation, or witness a dangerous situation.

Unacceptable Behavior

It is important that NAGT activities are events where no participant should ever feel belittled or made to feel unsafe. The following behavior will not be tolerated:
  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
  • Physical, written, electronic, or verbal abuse of any participant.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to, derisive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, age, medical condition, pregnancy, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender identity and expression, marital status, or veteran/military status; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations; threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, staff member, service provider or other meeting guest; inappropriate or unwelcome touch; telling sexually explicit or culturally offensive jokes; irresponsible use of alcohol or other controlled substances.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

  • Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to immediately cease and desist.
  • NAGT staff, leadership, security, or law enforcement personnel shall take action(s) deemed necessary and appropriate. Actions may include immediate removal from the event without warning or refund.
  • Anyone experiencing or witnessing to unacceptable behavior may report unacceptable behavior for consideration by the organization.

Responding to Unacceptable Behavior

If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or have witnessed any such behavior, please immediately notify the NAGT Executive Director or the President or email ethics@nagt.org. Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety, or a criminal act is expected to contact 911. Those witnessing a potential criminal act should also take actions necessary to maintain their own personal safety.

Procedures to be followed in an emergency situation

  • Evaluate the situation and if appropriate call 911 or activate a local fire alarm.
  • Do not endanger yourself. Follow the directions of building security, law enforcement, fire department, military personnel, or NAGT staff.
  • Initiate first aid if appropriate, so trained and necessary.
  • Be as observant as possible in order to communicate to emergency staff.