Diversity Commitment and Code of Conduct for the Decon Conference
International Decontamination Research and Development Conference (IDRDC)
Diversity Commitment
Consistent with the latest EPA Anti-Harassment Policy Statement (September 30, 2022), the conference organizers aim to create an inclusive, respectful conference environment that invites participation from all people. There is no tolerance for discrimination, including harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation or prior protected equal employment opportunity (EEO) activity is prohibited by law.[1] The conference will be an environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every person and group, that fosters dignity, understanding, and mutual respect, and that embraces diversity[2].
Code of Conduct
As such, IDRDC expects all interactions between attendees to be respectful and constructive, including during sessions, informal networking, and social gatherings (virtually or in-person). Bullying, threatening, intimidating, and unwelcomed comments or behavior based on an individual’s identity, i.e., race, color, etc., continuous disruption of events, or interference with participation or opportunity for participation of other people during the conference will not be tolerated[3]. We expect all participants and attendees to follow this code of conduct during all conference events and in all online interactions with IDRDC.
[1] EPA's Anti-Harassment Policy Statement; September 19, 2023; Protected classes are identified in 29 CFR §1614.101
[2] “Diversity” means the practice of including the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of the American People, including underserved communities as defined in Executive Order 14035 “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce”
[3] EPA Order 4711 (PDF), Procedure for Addressing Allegations of Workplace Harassment, provides details about the EPA's administrative process for reporting, promptly inquiring, and, as-needed, taking immediate and appropriate action to address complaints of harassment.