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The code of conduct uses weak and unspecific language #51

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@mstewartgallus

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@mstewartgallus

Our conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.

Harassment is unspecific and weak language. This part of the code of conduct does not cover more serious problems such as violence and is so unspecific that it can be twisted and abused to cover innocent actions. I'd favour replacing the word harassment and giving specific examples such as done with the statement of "everyone". Some possible specific examples are battery (physical violence), assault (threats of physical harm) and verbal abuse (words that only seek to denigrate and exclude people).

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments [...]

Offensive verbal comments hurt people's feelings but are less important than other things and they are not always harassment. This should be more active language such as verbal abuse and or moved to another place. Generally, harassment needs to target specific people.

sexual images in public spaces

This kind of action is inappropriate for many conferences but is not harassment. It should also be moved or replaced. This phrase is also not very specific. Under this definition of harassment one could call an informative display on sexual health harassment. Generally, harassment needs to target specific people.

We expect participants to follow these rules at conference and workshop venues and conference-related social events.

If you expect participants to follow these rules then why do you have them listed? Obviously, you do not. I suggest changing this language to be more active. For example:

Participation in our events is conditional on following this code of conduct. We force participants of our events to follow this code of conduct or leave.

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