Reviewed and Updated June 2025

AXYS is committed to providing a family-friendly atmosphere at our events where all participants feel comfortable. Members of the AXYS community differ in their comfort levels with regard to conversation, personal space, and need for quiet time, and we respect that. AXYS expects all participants to enjoy a welcoming environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to, members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.

All participants in all AXYS conferences or other activities—whether official or unofficial—agree to comply with all rules and conditions of the activities. Your registration for or attendance at any AXYS event indicates your agreement to abide by this policy and its terms.

Expected Behavior

  • Model and support the norms of respect necessary to promote the conditions for healthy exchange of ideas.
  • Speak and conduct yourself appropriately; do not insult or disparage other participants.
  • Be conscious of hierarchical structures in the AXYS community, specifically the existence of stark power differentials between those of different ages—noting that fear of retaliation can make it difficult for people to express discomfort, rebuff unwelcome advances, and report violations of the conduct policy.
  • Be sensitive to body language and other non-verbal signals and respond respectfully.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Violent threats or language directed against another person
  • Discriminatory jokes and language
  • Inclusion of unnecessary sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise sensitive materials in presentations
  • Posting (or threatening to post), without permission, other people’s personally identifying information online, including on social networking sites
  • Personal insults including, but not limited to, those using racist, sexist, homophobic, or xenophobic terms
  • Unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy such as sexual advances; propositions; sexual flirtations; sexually-related touching; and graphic gestures or comments about sex or another person’s dress, body, or sexual activities
  • Advocating for, encouraging, or dismissing the severity of any of the above behaviors.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

At the AXYS’s sole discretion, unacceptable behavior may result in removal from or denial of access to meeting facilities or activities, without refund of any applicable registration fees or costs. In addition, AXYS reserves the right to report violations from an individual can lead to criminal or civil charges, including fines, lawsuits, or even imprisonment. Those engaging in unacceptable behavior may also be banned from future AXYS activities or face additional penalties. Unacceptable behavior can significantly harm an individual’s reputation, making it difficult to find future employment or volunteer opportunities within AXYS.

What to Do if You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns relating to harassment, please contact the Executive Director or a Board Member. If you witness potential harm to a conference participant, be proactive in helping to mitigate or avoid that harm; if you see or hear something that concerns you, please say something.

Process for Adjudicating Reports of Misconduct

AXYS will reserve the right to consult with an independent entity to manage and adjudicate reported violations of the conduct policy.

Political Neutrality

AXYS is a nonpartisan organization and maintains strict political neutrality. To ensure a respectful and inclusive environment, discussions or expressions of political views, party affiliations, or support for political candidates are not permitted in any organizational setting, including meetings, events, and communication channels. Employees, volunteers, and representatives are expected to refrain from political discussions while acting in any capacity on behalf of the organization.

Note: This Code of Conduct may be revised at any time by AXYS and its terms are non-negotiable.