SOCIETY FOR PEDIATRIC AND PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH MEETING CONDUCT POLICY
As a professional society, the Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research (SPER) is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages the free expression and exchange of ideas. Consistent with this commitment, SPER expects all participants in the Society’s activities to behave in a manner suitable to promoting a welcoming environment, free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Specifically, threatening physical or verbal actions and disorderly or disruptive conduct will not be tolerated. Harassment relating to gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic will not be tolerated. Harassment may include (but is not necessarily limited to) verbal comments relating to statuses or identities noted above, display of sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation or stalking, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. This policy applies to all participants in SPER activities, including but not limited to event attendees, students, guests, staff, contractors, exhibitors, and participants in scientific sessions, tours, and other social events of any SPER meeting or other activity.
What to do if you witness or experience conduct that you believe violates the above standards:
If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior during an SPER event please the society’s Administrative Manager using one of the methods below to file an official complaint.
SPER Administrative Manager
Sue Bevan
Email: sbevan@sper.org
Phone: 385.393.7077
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1831, Eagle, ID 83616-9107
Complaint review process and consequences of unacceptable behavior:
If unacceptable behavior is reported, the case will be heard in a timely manner by the ad hoc SPER Conduct Committee, at which point the accuser and alleged perpetrator will have the opportunity to be heard, alongside additional testimony, if applicable. If the Committee finds evidence of misconduct, this may result in removal or denial of access to meeting facilities or activities, and other penalties, without refund of registration fees or costs. Further, the perpetrator may be temporarily or permanently banned from participation in future SPER activities.
Individuals who have questions, concerns, or complaints related to violations of the SPER Code of Conduct are also encouraged to contact the HHS OCR. Reporting an alleged violation to the SPER Administrative Manager (see above) is not required before filing a complaint of discrimination with HHS OCR. Further, seeking assistance from the SPER Administrative Manager in no way prohibits filing a complaint with HHS OCR. Information on how to file a complaint with HHS OCR is available here: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html
The SPER Annual Meeting is sponsored in part by NICHD. Therefore, individuals may also notify NIH about alleged violations of the Code of Conduct including concerns about sexual harassment, discrimination, or other forms of inappropriate conduct. The NIH Find Help webpage (https://grants.nih.gov/policy-and-compliance/policy-topics/harassment/find-help) includes several methods by which an alleged violation may be reported including a link, a telephone number, and an e-mail address.
Adapted from the Society for Epidemiologic Research Code of Conduct.