Policy on Harassment

Approved by the MTSNYS Board of Directors, January 2020

MTSNYS is committed to providing an environment that defends the ideals of justice, dignity, and equality for all people, and the right to participation and free inquiry in a climate of safety and respect for all members. The Society repudiates and condemns discrimination, harassment, and bullying in any form. Harassment is conduct that is demeaning, intimidating, threatening, abusive, and which causes offense on the basis of race, national and ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, physical and mental disability, political belief, affiliation, or activity, and that undermines, frustrates, incapacitates, or causes another person to feel vulnerable. This includes sexual harassment, unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, creation of a negative psychological and emotional environment based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation; and racial harassment or conduct that intimidates, excludes, or undermines the self- esteem and violates the dignity and security of individuals based on race, ethnicity, origin, or religion. MTSNYS condemns bullying, physical or verbal, as well as cyberbullying, or using electronic media to threaten, embarrass, intimidate, or exclude individuals. The wording of these guidelines has been adapted (with permission) from the SMT Policy on Harassment and the AMS Policy on Harassment.

PROCEDURE AND MEASURES

In the event that MTSNYS members are either targets of harassing behavior or are witness to harassing behavior directed at other members at conferences, the recommended procedure is:

  1. Report the incident to the police and local authorities;
  2. Inform the MTSNYS President or other Board members;
  3. Where warranted, address a formal written complaint to the MTSNYS President.

At the annual conference, MTSNYS Board members and the President will be clearly identifiable by marked nametags, and are prepared to assist.

Anyone requested to stop harassing or perpetrating other inappropriate behavior is expected to comply immediately. Continued threatening behavior will result in expulsion from the meeting, and in the case of proven offenses, revocation of membership and honors.

DISCLAIMER

As a voluntary professional organization with an all-volunteer staff, MTSNYS is limited in its ability to respond formally to charges of harassment. Nonetheless, within these constraints MTSNYS will follow its professional and ethical responsibility to respond to reports of harassment among its membership. MTSNYS cannot control the behavior of conference attendees and does not assume legal liability for harassment taking place at the Annual Meeting. This statement is informational only and is not a contract, and does not create any legally enforceable protections or obligations on the part of MTSNYS. It is not intended to, nor should it be used to support a cause of action, create a presumption of a breach of legal duty, or form a basis for civil liability.