ADSA’s core values include integrity, objectivity, open-mindedness, inclusiveness, and commitment. To advance these values during events, ADSA strives to create an atmosphere in which various segments of our dairy science community freely exchange knowledge in a collegial setting. Based on these values and goals, ADSA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone. Any form of harassment will not be tolerated and should be reported to ADSA staff immediately.
The following list represents examples of types of behaviors that will not be tolerated during events. This applies to all attendees regardless of membership status, including speakers, exhibitors, staff, contractors, volunteers, guests, and any other third-party participants or suppliers involved in any level of activity at ADSA meetings or events. Harassment includes (but is not limited to)
- Engaging in biased, demeaning, intimidating, coercive, harassing, or hostile conduct or commentary, whether seriously or in jest, regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, age, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other protected characteristic;
- Engaging in personal attacks of any kind;
- Commenting inappropriately on personal appearance;
- Retaliating against reporting of conduct concerns or assisting in conflict resolutions;
- Disrupting the event or engaging in harm or threats of harm of any kind;
- Engaging in any of the above behaviors on social media in relation to the event or related events.
ADSA requires all participants to abide by these principles during events. ADSA may remove an individual from the event at its discretion without refund and/or prohibit attendance at future events.
Reporting Harassment/Misconduct
If an individual experiences or witnesses harassment or misconduct, it is important to report allegations to ADSA staff as soon as possible. The individual experiencing or witnessing the harassment or misconduct is not expected to discuss the incident with the offending party. The reporting individual’s confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible while ADSA staff carry out due diligence to verify concerns that have been brought forth regarding the individual’s or individuals’ behavior. However, ADSA may not be able to guarantee confidentiality or anonymity to a complainant or witness.