Meetings & Conferences Code of Conduct
Our Commitment
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists ("AAOP") is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and AAOP staff. Attendees are expected to treat everyone with respect and to be considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are different than their own. Accordingly, all participants, including but not limited to attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff and others ("Participants") are expected to abide by this Meetings & Conferences Code of Conduct (this "Code").
Zero Tolerance Policy
AAOP has a zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment by Participants at our meetings. Set forth below are examples of conduct that will not be condoned at any AAOP event:
Harassment, sexual harassment, bullying or intimidation in any form, including any verbal, written (including texts and postings on social media), or physical conduct designed to threaten, intimidate, humiliate or coerce another Participant.
Unwelcome sexual attention, including but not limited to sexualized comments or jokes, displaying sexually explicit material, inappropriate or unwelcome touching, groping or sexual advances.
Discrimination, in any form, based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, physical appearance, age, race, religion, or national origin.
Physical or verbal abuse of any meeting Participant.
Sustained or disrespectful disruption of presentations or meetings.
Code Scope
This Code applies to all conduct that occurs at AAOP meeting venues, including ancillary events and social gatherings, whether officially sponsored by AAOP or not.
How to Report
If you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, AAOP asks that you promptly inform an AAOP staff member so that appropriate action can be taken. Your report will be taken seriously. Confidentiality will be maintained during the investigation to the extent possible without jeopardizing the thoroughness of the investigation.
Enforcement & Consequences
After considering the available information, AAOP leadership or their designees will take any action deemed necessary and appropriate. Consequences may include but are not limited to, warnings, immediate removal from the meeting without warning or refund, and/or exclusion from any future AAOP meeting or event.
Badge Policy
Badges are for the sole use of the individual whose name is listed on the badge. Badges cannot be shared. There are no exceptions to this policy. A person sharing a badge will be asked to forfeit their badge and leave the meeting.