The Society for Ethnobotany

Society for Ethnobotany
Code of Conduct for In-Person and Virtual Meetings and Other Functions

All members of the Society for Ethnobotany (or attendees of the Society’s functions) are required to follow the Society’s Code of Conduct during in-person or virtual meetings or other functions. This includes, but is not limited to, any Society conference, other meeting, function, event, or professional activity. The behavior of the Society’s members reflects on the reputation of the Society and should create a safe and professional atmosphere free of harassment, stalking, threats, abusive conduct, and bullying, whether physical or verbal. Any member or attendee participating in these unwanted behaviors risks expulsion (without refund) from the event and the Society as well as further consequences, including the involvement of local law enforcement.

Society members and attendees of Society functions are expected to:

• Treat others with respect regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, civil union or marital status, age, citizenship status, ability, pregnancy, ancestry, or medical condition.
• Not engage in sexual harassment, meaning unwanted behavior of a sexual nature whether physical or verbal, including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
• Present research and statements on other cultures or individuals in a respectful manner.
• Critique presentations and research with a focus on the presentation and work, not on the individual.
• Not purposefully disrupt presentations, meetings, or other activities.
• Obtain consent to record or transmit audio or video of presentations, meetings, or other activities.
• Report any activity that violates the Society’s Code of Conduct, understanding that retaliation for such reports will not be tolerated.

Procedures for reporting and responding to violations of the Code of Conduct are as follows:

• Report activity contrary to these codes by contacting a Society officer or member of the Ethics Committee. Contact information for Society officers and Ethics Committee members will be made available on the Society website and at the registration desk for in-person events.
• Two Society officers or Ethics Committee members will contact the accused and request the offending behavior stop immediately. If the Ethics Committee members are not available, two members of the Executive Committee will carry out this duty.
• Subsequent actions will be taken as necessary, to be determined by the Executive Committee and Ethics Committee chair. Local police will be contacted regarding any potential threats to public safety or criminal acts.
• Confidentiality of all parties will be maintained throughout this process whenever possible.
• Retaliations for reporting violations of this Code will be considered an additional violation.

Contact information for Society officers and Ethics Committee members:

Morgan Ruelle – Ethics Committee Chair
Veronica Soledad Lema – Ethics Committee Member
Idah Manduna – Ethics Committee Member
Donald Otieno – Ethics Committee Member
Alex McAlvay – SEB President
Sonia Peter – SEB President-Elect
Heike Vibrans – SEB Past President
Blair Orr – SEB Treasurer
Karsten Fatur – SEB Secretary