The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) is committed to diversity, equity, and providing a safe and productive learning environment that fosters open dialogue and the free expression of ideas, free of harassment, discrimination, and hostile conduct. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and maintain that environment for the benefit of all. SSP promotes equal opportunities and treatment for all participants, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical or mental ability, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or nationality. All participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration and alert staff of any dangerous situations. The SSP OnDemand Video Content Library can serve as an effective forum to consider and debate relevant viewpoints in an orderly, respectful, and fair manner. The policies herein apply to all viewers and participants of the SSP OnDemand Video Content Library SSP prohibits any form of harassment, sexual or otherwise.
Harassment includes speech, gestures, or behavior that is not welcome or is personally offensive, whether it is based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical or mental ability, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or nationality. It includes deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwelcome attention, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate/unnecessary physical contact and unprofessional use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so use discretion to be sure that respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior.
Within the context of professional practices of scholarly communications, critical examination of beliefs and viewpoints does not, by itself, constitute hostile conduct or harassment. Similarly, use of sexual imagery or language in the context of a professional discussion or presentation might not constitute harassment.
Any individual who believes that they have been subjected to harassment should contact the SSP Executive Director (mdolechek@sspnet.org or 913-486-4185) or other SSP Staff (info@sspnet.org) if they feel the Code of Conduct has been violated. It is recommended that, in addition to notifying SSP staff, they write down the details, as they may be asked to fill out a report. Individuals are not expected to discuss the incident with the offending party. All complaints will be treated seriously and be investigated promptly. Confidentiality will be honored to the extent permitted as long as the rights of others are not compromised.
Individuals engaging in behavior prohibited by this policy as well as those making allegations of harassment in bad faith will be subject to sanctions that range from a verbal warning to ejection from the platform or activity in question without refund of registration fees and the reporting of their behavior to their employer. SSP reserves the right to prohibit participation in other SSP programs. Participants asked to cease any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
SSP will not tolerate any form of retaliation against persons who file a complaint or assist in the investigation. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to disciplinary action.
In the event that the individual is dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, he or she may appeal to the President of SSP. Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the SSP Executive Director, Melanie Dolechek, mdoelchek@sspnet.org.
