Smofcon 41 has a policy on prohibited and expected behaviors for convention members and volunteers.
Prohibited Behaviors
Smofcon 41 does not tolerate:
- Unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact
- Stalking
- Bullying
- Intimidation, including aggressive verbal abuse
- Threats
- Physical assault or battery
- Harassing or non-consensual photography or recording
- Public sexually explicit behavior or imagery
- Racist, sexist, homophobic, or other discriminatory or hate language, behavior, or symbols or imagery
- Interfereing with convention activities, including trying to monopolize discussion or exclude others’ participation
Our goal is to ensure the safety and inclusion of all members so that everyone can participate in the convention. We respect freedom of expression and diversity of opinion, so long as such does not interfere with others’ membership or equal participation.
On Discrimination
Smofcon 41 also does not permit hate or exclusion against members, volunteers, or other stakeholders or community members on the basis of
- Race or skin color
- Religion
- Citizenship, national origin, or ethnic heritage
- Gender, sexual orientation or identity, gender presentation
- Age
- Disability
- Neurodiversity, social anxiety, or other communication limitations
- Appearance, body size or shape
- Marital status
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
On Safety
Members, volunteers, and other stakeholders are expected to comply with federal, state, and local laws, to follow the instructions of first responders, hotel staff, and other public safety officers, and not to block or interfere with members. volunteers, or public safety authorities in responding to a safety or health emergency/
Reporting Issues
Issues may be reported to any member of the convention committee. The hospitality lounge (con suite) will always have staff who can receive and refer reports of issues. When the hospitality lounge is not open, the convention committee will not be able to respond. However, in the event of a crime, medical emergency, or other emergency, please call 911.
Panel moderators are not expected to “enforce” the code of conduct policies, but they are requested to report issues that they observe. This code of conduct is not intended as a comprehensive guide to the art of moderating program activities.
Resolution
The Chair, Manager on Duty, or Incident Reponse Manager will deal with reported issues. The responding team member may ask questions of the person reporting, other convention members, or other individuals to obtain information about a reported issue. Issues may also be reported by email to info@smofcon41.org; during our convention we will endeavor to respond to email queries within 24 hours.
The responding team member can discuss an issue with involved individuals to clarify misunderstandings or suggest mutually agreeable solutions. The responding team member might suggest one person apologize to others. If issues cannot be resolved through discussion, the responding team member is authorized to revoke a person’s membership. If deemed appropriate, a responding team member can engage the assistance of hotel staff or first responders (via 911) to address safety or legal issues outside the convention’s authority.
During the convention, a Manager on Duty or Incident Response team member will report issues to the Chair as quickly as practical. The responding team member is authorized to spak and act for the convention under this policy. In the event of a disagreement, the Chair’s decisions will be final. As the authority of legal governance, the Board of SWOC can correct or amend decisions of the chair; the Board will endeavor to respond within seven days.
Smofcon 41 respects the privacy and personal circumstances of members. We will not “doxx” people or expose them to libel. Individuals are free to speak about their observations or opinions to whomever. The convention reserves the right to clarify misunderstandings of fact.
Smofcon 41 does not purport to be a legal authority. We do not conduct “investigations” or perform “due process” in response to reports. This policy is simply intended as a way to allow reasonable real-tme resolutions to ensure the safety and participation of members within the limited time and space of the convention. We may take note of but have no control over issues occurring outside our convention time and space.