safety-and-well-being-policy

Safety and Well-Being Policy

Purpose

A primary goal of the AUT Computer Science Club (CSC) is to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and religion (or lack thereof).

This Safety and Well-Being Policy (SWBP) outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

We invite all those who participate in the AUT CSC to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone.

Expected behaviour

The following behaviours are requested of all community members:

• Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of the AUT CSC.
• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
• Attempt collaboration before conflict.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory and harassing behaviour and speech.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants. Alert a member of the organizing committee if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this SWBP, even if they seem inconsequential.
• Remember that community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

Furthermore, community event venues may be subject to their own rules. Community members should follow these as well.

Unacceptable behaviour

The following behaviours are considered harassment, and are unacceptable within our community:

• Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.
• Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory jokes or language.
• Posting or displaying sexually-explicit or violent material.
• Making public, or threatening to make public, other people's personally-identifying information ("doxxing")
• Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, disability or country of origin.
• Inappropriate photography or recording, including non-consensual photography or recording.
• Inappropriate physical contact - you must have someone's consent before touching them.
• Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes, but is not limited to, sexualized comments or jokes; inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcome sexual advances.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following (online or in-person).
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour.
• Sustained disruption of community events, including talks and presentations.
• Violation of any venue-specific rules during community events.

Consequences of unacceptable behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour from any member of the community, including sponsors and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.

If a community member engages in unacceptable behaviour, the organizing committee may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban, or a permanent explusion, from the community without warning.

Reporting guidelines

If you are subject to, or witness, unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns, please notify a member of the organizing committee as soon as possible. Currently, the members of the organizing committee are:

• Glen Osborne wjm2202@autuni.ac.nz
• Koz Ross koz.ross@retro-freedom.nz

Additionally, all members of the organizing committee are available to help community members engage with appropriate authorities (up to, and including, the police), or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behaviour feel safe. In the context of in-person events, members of the organizing committee will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.

Addressing grievances

If you feel that you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this SWBP, you should notify a member of the organizing committee with a concise description of your grievance.

Scope

We expect all community participants (contributors, paid or otherwise; sponsors; and other guests) to abide by this SWBP in all community venues - online and in-person - as well as in all one-to-one communication pertaining to community business.

This SWBP and its related procedures also applies to unacceptable behaviour occuring outside of the scope of the AUT CSC when such behaviour has the potential to adversely affect the safety and well-being of community members.

Contact information

If you have any issues or concerns, or would like to report a SWBP violation, please contact a member of the organizing committee. Currently, the members of the organizing committee are:

• Glen Osborne wjm2202@autuni.ac.nz
• Koz Ross koz.ross@retro-freedom.nz