Code of Conduct

Preamble

The Society for the Neurobiology of Language (SNL) is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members, attendees, speakers, presenters, and staff, both during in-person events and in online interactions. We value the diversity of our community and recognize that a safe and supportive atmosphere is essential for the open exchange of ideas and the advancement of our field. This Code of Conduct applies to all SNL-sponsored activities, including conferences, workshops, online initiatives, and social events.

Core Principles

• Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and consideration, regardless of their background, identity, or professional status.
• Inclusivity: Actively promote an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, and where diverse perspectives are encouraged and respected.
• Diversity: Recognize and celebrate the diversity of our community, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, language, religion, national origin, and socioeconomic status.
• Professionalism: Maintain high standards of professional conduct in all interactions, both in-person and online.

Expected Behaviors

• Engage in respectful and constructive communication, both in formal presentations and informal discussions.
• Be mindful of the impact of your words and actions on others.
• Actively listen to and consider diverse perspectives.
• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Respect intellectual property and properly attribute ideas and research.
• Online: respect the privacy of others, and do not share any content without the permission of everyone involved.

Unacceptable Behaviors

• Discrimination based on, but not limited to, geographic location, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, language, physical appearance, body size, accent, race, ethnicity, or age.
• Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind, including but not limited to:
  • Verbal or written comments that are offensive, discriminatory, or derogatory.
  • Unwelcome sexual advances or attention.
  • Stalking or following.
  • Harassing photography or recording.
  • Inappropriate physical contact.
  • Cyberbullying or online harassment.
• Disruption of presentations or other events.
• Misrepresentation of data or research findings.
• Any behavior that creates a hostile or unwelcoming environment.
• Gaining unauthorized access or making malicious changes to the conference website, conference hosting tools, or any related systems.
• When participating in events, in-person or virtual, attendees must use their own name and not misrepresent themselves in any way.

Reporting Procedure

If you experience or witness any behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it as soon as possible. Reports can be made in the following ways:

• In-Person Events:
  • Contact a member of the SNL Organizing Committee or staff.
  • Approach a designated volunteer or staff member at the registration desk.
• Online Events and Interactions:
  • Email a detailed report to the Executive Director, .

All reports will be treated with confidentiality and investigated promptly. The SNL Board will take appropriate action, which may include but is not limited to:

• Warning the offender.
• Expulsion from the event or online platform.
• Suspension or revocation of SNL membership.
• Reporting the incident to relevant authorities.

Acknowledgement of Influences

This Code of Conduct draws inspiration and guidance from the following organizations and their principles:

• Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) Statement on Principles of Community and Code of Conduct.
• Vision Sciences Society (VSS) Code of Conduct.
• Organization for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM) Code of Conduct.

SNL is committed to continuously improving our policies and practices to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.