Hello, [cc'ed to antiharassment@d.o to get their opinion as well since they most likely will be the ppl who will need to enforce this code during the future DebConfs] During DebConf16 some ppl put some effort to rephrase parts of the code of conduct. We'd like to gather opinions on this rephrasing in the hope to get the new version, or an amended version, adopted. The old code of conduct is: https://debconf.org/codeofconduct.shtml The new code of conduct can be found here: https://titanpad.com/9l9d5GEMzA For convenience in reviewing this new text in an email conversation, I'm also including the text of the new version below so that ppl can comment it inline: --------------8<--------------------------- What is this? It's mostly a clarification of the existing CoC, which stems out of a lunch discussion between Bernelle, Marga, Michael, Valerie, Karen, Neil and Martin. Martin then worked on this on the flight back from Capetown and got Donna Benjamin involved, who works on the CoC and related steps of inclusion and incidence response for LCA. The draft has been unchanged since late September or so. DebConf Code of Conduct In a nutshell * We fully stand behind the [Debian Diversity Statement](https://www.debian.org/intro/diversity). * The rules defined in the [Debian Code of Conduct](https://www.debian.org/code_of_conduct), as well as the rules put forth by this DebConf Code of Conduct apply to every attendee of DebConf and throughout the entire time of the conference, at the venue, and off-site. * The dedicated [Debian anti-harrassment team](https://wiki.debian.org/AntiHarassment), as well as the organisers are available around the clock in case you need help. We promise to treat every incident discretely, confidentially, and without delay. * Be respectful, considerate, inclusive, and aware. * Speak up if you notice offensive behaviour, or inform the organisers. * Our attendees come from very different social and cultural backgrounds. Help each other find a common ground where everyone feels comfortable. Always assume the best intentions in other people, but never let that be an excuse. * Consequences for offenses range from warnings to being banned from the conference and the Debian Project. Our priority is to restore safety and comfort for everyone at the conference as quickly as possible. Our goal As organisers of DebConf, we strive to ensure that every participant can feel comfortable and make productive and enjoyable use of their time at our conference. We embrace diversity and value that our conference thrives upon the different backgrounds, personalities, traits, and preferences of our attendees. We fully stand behind the [Debian Diversity Statement](https://www.debian.org/intro/diversity). Our conference is an official Debian community event: The [Debian Code of Conduct](https://www.debian.org/code_of_conduct) applies in full. We acknowledge, however, that these rules are not enough in the context of a convention of hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds, sharing physical space for several days in an intense working and socialising environment. The purpose of this DebConf Code of Conduct is to set forth additional rules and procedures to maintain your safety and comfort. These rules apply to DebConf, as well as all related events, including those organised inofficially, such as excursions, evenings at the pub, sports, and other events. We require every attendee to abide by and uphold these rules. There are no exceptions, not for speakers, not for guests, and not for organisers. If your space, dignity, or freedom has been violated, every member of the organisation team is available to help. We have a dedicated [Debian anti-harrassment team](https://wiki.debian.org/AntiHarassment), and clearly defined processes enabling timely action to restore your safety and that of others. We promise to handle every incident with due diligence and full respect for your privacy and confidentiality. Do your part We are a diverse community. Sometimes this means we need to work harder to ensure we're creating an environment of trust and respect where all who come to participate feel comfortable and included. In addition to abiding by these rules, you can help us maintain a safe space for everyone. If you witness behaviour that is disrespectful or in violation of any of our rules, and you are comfortable to do so, please speak up and point out that the behaviour in question could make other people uncomfortable. Instead of confronting someone in a group (which could make them feel cornered), it might be better to take them aside, or ask one of their peers to carry on the message. Conversely, if you are told that your behaviour may have been inappropriate, don't take it as an attack on yourself, nor should you feel compelled to defend yourself. The best course of action is to apologise, try to understand what happened, and to avoid doing it again. People come from different backgrounds with different social standards. Please assume good intent in everyone's actions, but do not ever use that as an excuse for yourself, or let it stand as an excuse. It might help amplify an apology, though. Help each other to create a comfortable environment for everyone. When in doubt, or you have any questions, do not hesitate to approach the organisers for help or advice. All matters will be treated confidentially. Be respectful Respect yourself, and respect others. Be courteous to those around you. If someone indicates they don't wish to be photographed, respect that wish. If someone indicates they would like to be left alone, let them be. Our event venues and online spaces may be shared with members of the public; please be considerate to all patrons of these locations, even if they are not involved in the conference. Be inclusive DebConf is about meeting people in real life. Please be aware that the people around you may not speak your language, and be mindful of different levels of English comprehension and speaking abilities. Invite people into your circles and do not be afraid to join other circles. When respect and trust prevail, DebConf is a fantastic platform to meet wonderful people with amazing dedication and skills. Help make it so, and make use of it. Please always wear your (own) name badge visible to others. You might not think you need it, but there are people who won't know your name and might feel uncomfortable not being able to find out for themselves. By default, all presentation material must be suitable for people aged 12 and above. If you could reasonably assume that some people may be offended by your material, please state so explicitly in the submission notes. You remain solely responsible for your content and your message. The [Content Team](mailto:content@debconf.org) can provide guidance in case you're unsure. Be aware We will not tolerate intimidation, harassment, or any abusive, discriminatory or derogatory behaviour by anyone at any Debian event or in related online media. Complaints can be made to any of the organisers, at the registration desk, or by emailing antiharassment@debian.org. All complaints will be taken seriously and handled discretely and confidentially. [TODO: a phone number?] In minor cases, the event organisers will ask the offenders to apologise and modify their behaviours. On repeated offense, or in non-minor cases, the following actions will be enforced, depending on the severity of the offense: * immediate ban from the venue for the remainder of the day, and possibly the next day; * immediate ban from the rest of the conference; * immediate ban from the rest of the conference, and all future conferences; * immediate ban from the Debian Project; * public statement about the incident by the conference organisers; * report of the incident to the appropriate authorities. We understand that there are always two sides to any incident, and we strive to hear both. However, our priority is to restore safety and comfort for everyone at the conference. Therefore, we reserve the right to enforce a consequence first, depending on the severity of the situation. Debian, the DebConf organisers, and the venue in which DebConf is being held cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred by the dismissal from the conference. By registering, you explicitly agree to this. [TODO: this needs to be promoted to the pre-registration confirmation step] (DONE) What does that mean for me? All participants, including event attendees, speakers, and organisers, must not engage in any intimidation, harassment, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of behaviours that are deemed highly inappropriate and will not be tolerated at DebConf: * offensive verbal or written remarks related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion; * sexual or violent images in public spaces (including presentation slides); * deliberate intimidation; * stalking or following; * unwanted photography or recording; * sustained disruption of talks or other events; * unwelcome physical contact or other forms of assault; * unwelcome sexual attention; * sexist, racist, or other exclusionary jokes; * unwarranted exclusion from conference or related events based on age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion; Questions? If you’re not sure about anything in this conference Code of Conduct, please contact the [DebConf organisers (public mailing list)](mailto:debconf-team@lists.debconf.org), approach any of us in person, or send a message to the [anti-harassment team](mailto:antiharassment@debian.org). If you wish to report a violation of this Code of Conduct, please contact antiharassment@debian.org. Our Promise to You [TODO: maybe move to the AntiHarassment wiki page?] * The anti-harassment team is a closed group of people dedicated to dealing with conflicts and difficult situations. Please see [the wiki page](https://wiki.debian.org/AntiHarassment) to find out who is serving on the team. * We will read every complaint with diligence. * We will reply, in writing, as soon as possible to acknowledge the concern and assure that the matter is being investigated. * Depending on the situation, we may enforce immediate consequences, even before further investigation. * Depending on the situation, we will talk to the reporter, the reported, or both to determine what mediation and/or action is necessary.
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