Anti-Harassment Policy for EABS Conferences and Other Activities

For both academic and ethical reasons, EABS is committed to equal opportunity for all its members, so that everyone can contribute together to developing academic excellence that is transparent across our differences. EABS will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, religion or lack thereof, creed, nationality, national origin, colour, race, ethnicity, age, disability, employment status, marital status, or any other unethical grounds for discrimination.

EABS is committed to providing an environment that is free from any form of harassment. Open dialogue and debate can only flourish in an environment of mutual respect and professionalism. It is the responsibility of all participants of EABS activities to create and hold that environment for the benefit of all. It should be noted that critical remarks and scholarly disagreement, by themselves, do not constitute harassment.

Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct of sexual nature that demeans, humiliates, or threatens an individual. It is unwanted attention that a person experiences as offensive or disruptive to their wellbeing. All the spaces into which EABS events extend are professional, and the values of respect, equity, and non-discrimination should inform all conduct, including encounters in more informal settings, such as over coffee or drinks.  

In each EABS-organized event, there will be a named contact person to whom those who believe they have been subjected to harassment can turn for confidential support and advise. Complaints against harassment can also be made by contacting any of the EABS Committee members. The complaint may also be made through other means than writing. All complaints will be treated seriously and investigated promptly. Complaints may be made on an anonymous basis, but a sufficient amount of detail, such as the details of the incident(s), names of individuals involved, and names of any witnesses, is needed to proceed or act on a concern.

The EABS Committee (excluding those who might be implicated in the complaint) will make an initial evaluation of the complaint. An external consultant will be appointed to conduct a more thorough investigation, if deemed appropriate. The confidentiality of the complainant will be honoured to the extent permitted as long as the rights of others are not compromised.

If disciplinary action is being considered, those who are implicated in the completed investigation will have an opportunity to appeal to the Committee before disciplinary action is taken. Disciplinary actions may range from a conversation with the person, a formal written warning, or for particularly serious or repeated incidents, barring the person from attending EABS events in the future and cancelling their membership. If deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of other participants, an individual may be immediately removed from an EABS event (without refund) without undertaking an investigation as described above.  All disciplinary decisions by the EABS Committee will be final.

It is a violation of this policy for any retaliatory action to be taken against an individual who in good faith reports or provides information about possible harassment. Those members who believe they have been victims of such retaliatory action should report this to the EABS Committee, who will investigate and take appropriate action.