During our General Meeting that took place on the 18th of October 2017 in the evening, the members adopted the following Code of Conduct for Dim Sum Labs members and visitors of the space.
Short public version
This is a very short version that refers the reader to a longer version of the policy. Suitable for footers on announcement emails, web pages, news stories, etc.
Dim Sum Labs is dedicated to a harassment-free experience for everyone.
Our code of conduct can be found at: https://git.io/vd7WL
Medium public version
This is a statement of the organizers’ principles and sets expectations for the tone and style of the Dim Sum Labs. Suitable for the web site and longer announcements.
Dim Sum Labs is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, political affiliation or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of people at our events or space in any form. People violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the space or the event at the discretion of any Dim Sum Labs member.
Our code of conduct can be found at: https://git.io/vd7WL
Long public version
This version focuses on specific instructions to people at Dim Sum Labs, with the goal of preventing harassment in the first place through education. Suitable for the web site and printed material.
Dim Sum Labs is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, political affiliation or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of people at our events or space in any form. People violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the space or the event at the discretion of any Dim Sum Labs member.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, political affiliation and religion. Harassment also includes sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, verbal or physical threats, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. People asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If a person engages in harassing behavior, Dim Sum Labs members may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the space or event. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member or director immediately.
This anti-harassment policy is based on the MakeHackVoid Code of Conduct, which in turn is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers.
Internal Version for Members
This version is intended for internal use by Dim Sum Labs members. It defines our enforcement policy.
Warnings
Any member of Dim Sum Labs can issue a verbal warning to a person that their behavior violates the space’s anti-harassment policy. Warnings should be reported to dimsumlabs-members {at] lists.dimsumlabs.com as soon as practical. The report should include:
- Identifying information (name) of the person
- The time you issued the warning
- The behavior that was in violation
- The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time of warning)
- The circumstances surrounding the incident
- Your identity
- Other people involved in the incident
Presentations
Presentations or similar events should not be stopped for one-time gaffes or minor problems, although a member should speak to the presenter afterward. However, members should take immediate action to politely and calmly stop any presentation or event that repeatedly or seriously violates the anti-harassment policy. For example, simply say “I’m sorry, this presentation cannot be continued at the present time” with no further explanation.
Taking reports
When taking a report from someone experiencing harassment you should record what they say and reassure them they are being taken seriously, but avoid making specific promises about what actions Dim Sum Labs will take. Ask for any other information if the reporter has not volunteered it (such as time, place) but do not pressure them to provide it if they are reluctant. Even if the report lacks important details such as the identity of the person taking the harassing actions, it should still be recorded and passed along to the directors. If the reporter desires it, arrange for an escort by a trusted person, contact a friend, and contact local law enforcement. Do not pressure the reporter to take any action if they do not want to do it. Respect the reporter’s privacy by not sharing unnecessary details with others, especially individuals who were not involved with the situation or non directors.
The report should include:
- Identifying information (name) of the person
- The time you issued the warning
- The behavior that was in violation
- The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time of warning)
- The circumstances surrounding the incident
- Your identity
- Other people involved in the incident
Expulsion
A person may be expelled by the decision of any of the above listed entities for whatever reasons they deem sufficient. However, here are some general guidelines for when a participant should be expelled:
- A third offense resulting in a warning
- Continuing to harass after any “No” or “Stop” instruction
- A pattern of harassing behavior, with or without warnings
- A single serious offense (e.g., punching or groping someone)
- A single obviously intentional offense (e.g., taking up-skirt photos)
Local authorities should be contacted when appropriate.
Public statements
As a general rule, Dim Sum Labs members should not make any public statements about the behavior of individual people in relation to the code of conduct.
In general, consult with other members and directors when possible but act when necessary.
