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ACES Code of Conduct

ACES: The Society for Editing is committed to providing the best environment for learning, teaching, networking, community, and professional development in all forums, including but not limited to in-person, virtual, digital, and social media platforms. ACES is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all participants and staff. 

All participants, including members, attendees, speakers, sponsors, affiliates, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, nonmembers, guests, and service providers, are expected to abide by the ACES Code of Conduct. This code applies to all ACES-related events and spaces, including virtual meetings and those sponsored by organizations other than ACES but held in conjunction with ACES events, in public or private facilities.

ACES events must be free of harassment in any form. Participants are welcomed and included regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, orientation, physical or mental ability, appearance, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or professional status.

Behavior in all ACES spaces should be kind, thoughtful, respectful, and professional at all times. Participants are expected to act with integrity, fairness, and courtesy while demonstrating good sporting behavior. Their words and actions should respect others and honor the time, contributions, and work of ACES volunteers, staff, committees, and the association's processes.

Informal settings do not lessen our expectations for professional conduct. Whether interacting in person or online, participants are expected to communicate respectfully, act with integrity, and help create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR

Treat others with respect, inclusivity, and consideration, recognizing that ACES is an organization that supports diversity in all expressions — in thought, organization, and individual. Communicate openly with respect for others, avoiding personal attacks. While each person’s boundaries of good taste, humor, and personal space will differ, be alert to someone’s reaction indicating that they may feel uncomfortable — as you would want them to do for you. 

Attendees of ACES in-person events must wear their event badge at all times. ACES expects all attendees to make their  professional identity visible at all times for both safety and accountability. Be mindful of your surroundings and others. Respect the rules and policies of the event forum, whether online or in person.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. Intentional uninvited physical contact is prohibited. Sexual harassment of any kind is unacceptable.

Physical or verbal abuse of any participant as noted above will not be tolerated. Examples of unacceptable behavior include but are not limited to: 

  • Negative or stereotyping comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, and national origin.
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or presentations.
  • Threatening or stalking any type of meeting participant.
  • Use of discriminatory language.

Disruption of planned events, trainings, meetings, or any other forums, whether in-person, virtual, or informal, organized by ACES is not allowed. Questioning and debate are highly encouraged but active disruption and ill-intended behavior is unacceptable.

Any verbal or observed complaint that results in an investigation shall be documented internally by the Crisis Management and Public Relations Task Force. The confidentiality of all parties involved will be maintained in accordance with ACES' policies.

CONSEQUENCES OF UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Anyone requested by an ACES staff member or board member to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. ACES will not tolerate such behavior and reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary and appropriate in its sole discretion, including expulsion from the event without warning or refund, exclusion from future events, revocation of membership, and any other appropriate consequences deemed necessary.

REPORTING UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or have witnessed any such behavior, please contact the ACES executive director in person, if applicable, or via email at acescodeofconduct@aceseditors.org.

FILING A COMPLAINT

Any ACES member may file a complaint against another ACES member or members, including ACES at-large members and officers, for alleged violations of the ACES Code of Conduct. A written complaint should contain information essential for a review or investigation, including the date and location of the alleged violation, all parties involved, a summary of relevant facts, and any relevant documentation. 

ACES reserves the right to modify or revise this policy at any time with or without notice.