STC activities are intended to be a safe and positive learning experience for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, appearance, or religion. All participants are expected to follow this code of conduct, including students, speakers, teachers, trainers, instructors, sponsors, administrators, or staff of any STC activity.

This code of conduct outlines STC’s expectations for participant behavior as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

It also applies to unacceptable behavior occurring outside the scope of STC activities when such behavior has the potential to adversely affect the safety and well-being of activity participants.

All determinations of appropriate or inappropriate behavior are in STC’s sole discretion and the decision of STC’s representatives will be final.

Expected Behavior

The following behaviors are expected and requested of all those participating in STC activities, both in-person and online. They include:

  • Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and/or speech.
  • Be mindful of your behavior and that of fellow participants.

Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable during any STC activities:
Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.

  • Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
  • Political commentary.
  • Using profanity or expletives.
  • Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material.
  • Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, or appearance.
    Inappropriate photography or recording.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following (online or in person).
  • Retribution or other threats towards another participant of an STC activity.
  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior.
  • Sustained disruption of STC activities and events, including talks and presentations.
  • Failing to follow or obey any laws or rules of the activity or event venue.

Reporting Guidelines

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify an STC staff member or contact governance@stc.org as soon as possible.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated by any participant in STC activities.

Anyone asked to cease the unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

If any participant in STC activities engages in unacceptable behavior, STC staff or an STC appointed representative for the activity may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including termination of the participation in any STC events or activities without warning or refund.