The open exchange of ideas, the freedom of thought and expression, and respectful scientific debate are central to the aims and goals of the COMMA organization. These require a community and an environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every person and group, that fosters dignity, understanding, and mutual respect, and that embraces diversity. For these reasons, COMMA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for all conference participants.
Harassment and hostile behavior are unwelcome at any COMMA conference, associated event, or in COMMA-affiliated on-line discussions. This includes speech or behavior that intimidates, creates discomfort, or interferes with a person’s participation or opportunity for participation in a conference or an event. We aim for COMMA-related activities to be an environment where harassment in any form does not happen, including but not limited to: harassment based on race, gender, religion, age, color, appearance, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Harassment includes degrading verbal comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking, harassing photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. The policy is not intended to inhibit challenging scientific debate, but rather to promote it through ensuring that all are welcome to participate in the shared spirit of scientific inquiry.
It is the responsibility of the community as a whole to promote an inclusive and positive environment for our scholarly activities. In addition, anyone who experiences harassment or hostile behavior may contact any current member of the COMMA Steering Committee. Members of the committee will be instructed to keep any such contact in strict confidence, and those who approach the committee will be consulted before any actions are taken.
(Note: the above anti-harassment policy is adapted from the ACL anti-harassment policy)