Code of Conduct
ICLR Code of Conduct The open exchange of ideas, the freedom of thought and expression, and respectful scientific debate are central to the goals of this conference on machine learning; this requires a community and an environment that recognizes and respects the inherent worth of every person. Who All participants---attendees, organizers, reviewers, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers at our conference, workshops, and conference-sponsored social events---are required to agree with this Code of Conduct both during the event and on official communication channels, including social media. Organizers will enforce this code, and we expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe and productive environment for everybody. Scope The conference commits itself to provide an experience for all participants that is free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, and retaliation. This includes offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), politics, technology choices, or any other personal characteristics. Bullying, intimidation, personal attacks, harassment, sustained disruption of talks or other events, and behavior that interferes with another participant's full participation will not be tolerated. This includes sexual harassment, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, public vulgar exchanges, and diminutive characterizations, which are all unwelcome in this community. The expected behaviour in line with the scope above extends to any format of the conference, including any virtual forms, and to the use of any online tools related to the conference. These include comments on OpenReview within or outside of reviewing periods, conference-wide chat tools, Q&A tools, live stream interactions, and any other forms of virtual interaction. Trolling, use of inappropriate imagery or videos, offensive language either written or in-person over video or audio, unwarranted direct messages (DMs), and extensions of such behaviour to tools outside those used by the conference but related to the conference, its program and attendees, are not allowed. In addition, doxxing or revealing any personal information to target any participant will not be tolerated. Sponsors are equally subject to this Code of Conduct. In particular, sponsors should not use images, activities, or other materials that are of a sexual, racial, or otherwise offensive nature. Sponsor representatives and staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes or otherwise create a sexualized environment. This code applies both to official sponsors as well as any organization that uses the conference name as branding as part of its activities at or around the conference. Outcomes Participants asked by any member of the community to stop any such behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in such behavior, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including: a formal or informal warning to the offender, expulsion from the conference (either physical expulsion, or termination of access codes) with no refund, barring from participation in future conferences or their organization, reporting the incident to the offender’s local institution or funding agencies, or reporting the incident to local law enforcement. A response of "just joking" will not be accepted; behavior can be harassing without an intent to offend. If action is taken, an appeals process will be made available. Reporting If you have concerns related to your inclusion at that conference, or observe someone else's difficulties, or have any other concerns related to inclusion, please email iclrhotline@gmail.com . For online events and tools, there are options to directly report specific chat/text comments, in addition to the above reporting. Complaints and violations will be handled with discretion. Reports made during the conference will be responded to within 24 hours; those at other times in less than two weeks. We are prepared and eager to help participants contact relevant help services, to escort them to a safe location, or to otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference. We gratefully accept feedback from the community on policy and actions; please contact us. Updated March 29, 2020 Successful Page Load ICLR uses cookies for essential functions only. We do not sell your personal information. Our Privacy Policy » Accept
Executive Summary
The ICLR Code of Conduct is a comprehensive and well-structured framework that promotes a safe and respectful environment for all participants at the conference. The code emphasizes the importance of open exchange of ideas, freedom of thought and expression, and respectful scientific debate. It explicitly prohibits harassment, bullying, discrimination, and retaliation, encompassing a wide range of personal characteristics and online interactions. The code applies to all participants, including organizers, reviewers, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers, as well as to sponsors and their representatives. The enforcement of this code is crucial for maintaining a productive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
Key Points
- ▸ The code promotes a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
- ▸ It prohibits harassment, bullying, discrimination, and retaliation.
- ▸ The code applies to all participants, including organizers, reviewers, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers.
Merits
Clear and Comprehensive
The code provides a clear and comprehensive framework for promoting a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
Inclusive and Respectful
The code emphasizes the importance of open exchange of ideas, freedom of thought and expression, and respectful scientific debate.
Demerits
Enforcement Challenges
Enforcing the code may pose challenges, particularly in virtual environments where interactions can be more difficult to monitor and regulate.
Limited Scope for Online Interactions
The code may not be effective in preventing harassment and bullying in online environments beyond the conference's official platforms.
Expert Commentary
The ICLR Code of Conduct is a model for promoting a safe and respectful environment for all participants at academic conferences. Its comprehensive and inclusive framework addresses a wide range of issues, from harassment and bullying to online interactions and sponsor behavior. While enforcement challenges may arise, the code's clarity and comprehensiveness make it an effective tool for promoting a productive and inclusive environment for everyone involved. This code serves as a valuable resource for conference organizers and policymakers seeking to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic and professional environments.
Recommendations
- ✓ Conference organizers should develop and implement effective reporting and response mechanisms for addressing harassment and bullying.
- ✓ Policymakers should consider developing and implementing broader policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic and professional environments.
