Engagement Code of Conduct

 

Purpose

Washington Sea Grant (WSG) has established this Code of Conduct (Code) to guide the behavior of everyone attending, using, or participating in WSG programs and resources, whether in-person or virtual. This Code also outlines our response to behaviors that do not meet the expected behavior standards. WSG is a unit within the College of the Environment at the University of Washington (UW). It is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all who engage with WSG. WSG expects all participants (which includes staff, attendees, and organizers) to follow this Code, respecting the rights of others so that everyone can fully engage and participate in our programs. With this Code of Conduct, WSG supports and builds on the UW’s commitment to move beyond mere compliance with civil rights laws to embody the principles of respect and equality for all.

 

Participation in a WSG program implies agreement with this Code of Conduct.

Expected Behavior

All participants are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
  • Share perspectives and offer feedback openly and honestly.
  • Be open to experiencing new concepts and differing viewpoints.
  • Work to ensure that others have opportunities to speak and share.
  • Take responsibility for your actions and impacts. Acknowledge harm when it has occurred, and apologize. 
  • Report perceived unacceptable behaviors directed at yourself or others to the event organizers.

Unacceptable Behavior

Violations of this Code include behaviors that are disruptive to participants, including:

  • Harassment, including but not limited to unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical contact directed at any participant, and conduct, comments, or images that a person could find offensive, demeaning or hostile.
  • Sexual harassment, which the Code defines to include unwelcome, unsolicited, and unreciprocated sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature that could reasonably embarrass, offend, humiliate, or intimidate another person.
  • Discrimination, based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital status, veteran status, political affinity, or any other characteristic protected by U.S. law.
  • Harm to people and/or property, including intimidation, stalking, theft, defacement, abuse or destruction of property, or refusing to comply with emergency response procedures.
  • Physical force, actual or threatened, including endangering your health and safety.
  • Retaliation against participants for reporting activity they reasonably believe to violate the Code.
  • Knowingly and falsely reporting violations of this Code.

 

Some of these behaviors are specifically cited in and addressed by UW policies (see below) and some are illegal under Washington state and U.S. law.  

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or think there is an immediate need to report an emergency or illegal activity, please contact local law enforcement or call 9-1-1. All University of Washington employees and volunteers, including WSG staff, must report any incidence of workplace violence1, Title IX sexual misconduct2 and report suspected child abuse or neglect3.

If you believe you are subject to, witness, or were told about behavior that violates this Code during or in association with a WSG program:

  1. For WSG programs for which there is a clear WSG staff lead or facilitator, report violations of this code to that person.
  2. If, for whatever reason, reporting to a WSG staff person during the program is not feasible, contact Katy Curtis at katy123@uw.edu and/or Kate Litle at kalitle@uw.edu.  
  3. Alternatively, if you wish to submit your report confidentially, please use the online reporting form at https://forms.gle/mwY5zwgvbyUjt39K8.

Violations of this Code are taken seriously and should be promptly reported. Please provide as much information as possible to help WSG respond to the incident. WSG will maintain confidentiality but may disclose information in response to legal or University requirements.

Response to Unacceptable Behavior

WSG will review each incident and determine the appropriate response. Participants are expected to comply immediately if asked to stop any unacceptable behavior. Consequences of unacceptable behavior may take any of the following forms:

  • A direct verbal or written warning.
  • Expulsion from the program.
  • Exclusion from future WSG programs.
  • Notification of the incident to UW leadership.
  • Notification to appropriate legal authorities.

Additionally, WSG will work with individuals experiencing unacceptable behavior to implement measures to enable them to feel safe for the duration of the event.