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EASP – European Association of Social Psychology

Code of Conduct

Non-Discrimination in Professional Activities

The EASP is committed to the philosophy of equality of opportunity and treatment for all members, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnic origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities, or any other reason not related to scientific merit.

The Executive Committee of the EASP shall provide for such policies as are appropriate to recognize and maintain this commitment.

Statement of Policy

It is the policy of the EASP that all participants in society-activities will enjoy an environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

As a professional society, the EASP is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas. In pursuit of that ideal, the EASP is dedicated to the philosophy of equality of opportunities and treatment for all members, regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities, veteran status, or any other reason not related to scientific merit.

Harassment, sexual or otherwise, is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of society meetings. Violators of this policy will be subject to discipline.

Definitions

  • Sexual harassment concerns requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It refers to behaviour that is not welcome, is personally offensive, debilitates morale, and therefore, interferes with work effectiveness.
  • Harassment on the basis of any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited. This conduct includes, but is not limited to the following: epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; denigrating jokes and display or circulation of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group.
  • Discrimination refers to bias or prejudice resulting in a denial of opportunity, or unfair treatment regarding selection, promotion, or transfer. Discrimination is practiced commonly on the grounds of age, disability, ethnicity, origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, etc., factors that are irrelevant to a person's competence or suitability.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all attendees at society activities, including scientists, students, guests, staff, contractors, and exhibitors, participating in the scientific sessions, tours, and social events of any EASP meeting or other activity.

Disciplinary Actions

Individuals engaging in behaviour prohibited by this policy, as well as those making allegations of harassment in bad faith, will be subject to disciplinary action. Such actions range from a verbal warning to exclusion from the meeting or activity in question without refund of registration fees and the reporting of their behaviour to their employer. Repeating offenders may be subject to further disciplinary action, such as being banned from participating in future society meetings or other activities.

Reporting an Incident

Any individual covered by this policy who feels that they have been subjected to harassment, or is concerned regarding harassment at an upcoming event, should inform the EASP event organisers. Alternatively, they may get in touch with the Ethics Officer Agneta Fischer (University of Amsterdam), who, alongside the Ethics Committee (Naomi Ellemers, Francesa Guizzo, Michał Bilewicz, Silvia Galdi, and Barbara Krahe), will be available, and who will treat all cases of Code of Conduct violations or concerns regarding harassment absolutely confidentially. Concerns can also be directed towards the EASP's Executive Committee. All concerns will be treated seriously and will be investigated promptly.

Appeals and Questions

In the event that the individual is dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, they may appeal to the president of the society. Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the EASP Executive Officer or a member of the Executive Committee.

EASP Activity Guidelines

The expected, professional behaviour of delegates include:

  • Treating everyone with respect and consideration;
  • Communicating openly and thoughtfully with others and being considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are different than your own;
  • Being respectful and mindful in your critique of ideas;
  • Being mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants.

The following behaviours are considered to be unacceptable. Notably:

  • Harassment and intimidation, including any verbal, written, or physical conduct designed to threaten, intimidate, or coerce another delegate, conference organizers, or staff;
  • Discrimination based on gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or culture;
  • Physical or verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, staff member, service provider or other meeting guest;
  • Disrespectful disruption of presentations.

Advice for Chairs

Due to a disproportion of questions and comments made by women and junior members of academia, compared with male and/or senior members, chairs should consider using moderational rules that would empower and facilitate the public appearance of minorities:

  • Giving equal speaking space to males and females (so-called “zipper” in the discussion - alternating female and male speakers, which helps women to participate in the discussion, but also junior and senior members of academia);
  • If there are participants who are more active than others - priority in speaking should be given to those who haven't spoken yet.