Code of Conduct (for learners and content providers)

OpenPlato is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all people, regardless of background or identity. By participating on this platform, participants accept to abide by this Code of Conduct and accept the procedures by which any Code of Conduct incidents are resolved. We do not tolerate behaviour that is disrespectful or that excludes, intimidates, or causes discomfort to others. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on characteristics that include, but are not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, nationality, ethnic or social origin, pregnancy, familial status, veteran status, genetic information, religion or belief (or lack thereof), membership of a national minority, property, age, education, socio-economic status, technical choices, and experience level.

Everyone who participates in any activities or interactions related to OpenPlato is required to conform to this Code of Conduct. It applies to all spaces managed by or affiliated with OpenPlato, including, but not limited to, emails and email lists, blog posts, videocalls, Slack, Twitter, etc. The platform managers are expected to assist with the enforcement of the Code of Conduct. By participating, learners and resource providers indicate their acceptance of the procedures by which OpenPlato resolves any Code of Conduct incidents, which may include storage and processing of their personal information.

Expected behaviour

All participants are expected to show respect and courtesy to others. All interactions should be professional regardless of platform. In order to foster a positive and professional learning environment we encourage the following kinds of behaviours in all activities and platforms:

  • Use welcoming and inclusive language

  • Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences

  • Gracefully accept constructive criticism

  • Focus on what is best for the community

  • Show courtesy and respect towards other community members

Unacceptable behaviour

Examples of unacceptable behaviour by participants at any workshop event/platform include:

  • written or verbal comments which have the effect of excluding people on the basis of membership of any specific group

  • causing someone to fear for their safety, such as through digital stalking, harassment, or intimidation

  • violent threats or language directed against another person

  • the display of sexual or violent images

  • unwelcome sexual attention

  • sustained disruption of talks, events or communications

  • insults or put-downs

  • sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or exclusionary jokes

  • excessive swearing

  • incitement to violence, suicide, or self-harm

  • continuing to initiate interaction with someone after being asked to stop

  • publication of private communication without consent

Consequences of Unacceptable behaviour

If you believe someone is violating the Code of Conduct, we ask that you report it to any of OpenPlato’s managers. This is a community-led platform, and we value the involvement of everyone in the community. We are committed to creating a friendly and respectful place for learning, teaching and contributing. All participants are expected to show respect and courtesy to others.

Participants who are asked to stop any inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, the organisers may warn the offender, ask them to leave the event or platform, or investigate the Code of Conduct violation and impose appropriate sanctions.

How to report a violation of the code of conduct

If you have been involved or witnessed an incident on OpenPlato that you believe violates this Code of Conduct, please report this as soon as possible, you can report by:

  • Direct Message the Zoom host during webinars

  • Email the Code of Conduct Committee members at any time (see contact emails below). You will receive a response within 24 hours.

The Code of Conduct Committee members will promptly and confidentially examine all incidents. We reserve the right to take actions we deem necessary at any time to remedy disruptive behaviour that renders the conference experience unsafe for participants. Anyone found to be in violation of this Code of Conduct will be expected to immediately stop harassing or disruptive behaviour. If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, we may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender, expulsion from the current and/or future courses, contacting local authorities as needed, or contacting a representative from the offender’s institution.