Code of Conduct

Where it applies

At our Flagship conference and every House event, at venues we use and gatherings connected to them, and in the online spaces we run, including our social channels and newsletter comments.

What we expect

• Treat everyone with respect, including people you disagree with.
• Challenge ideas, not people. Debate is welcome; personal attacks are not.
• Listen as much as you talk, and make room for others to take part.
• Respect people's boundaries, including their time and personal space.
• Follow the instructions of event staff and the venue's rules.

What isn't acceptable

Harassment in any form, including:

• Offensive or demeaning comments about someone's race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, appearance, or background.
• Unwelcome sexual attention, touching, or advances.
• Intimidation, threats, stalking, or following someone.
• Photographing or recording someone who has asked you not to.
• Repeatedly disrupting talks, conversations, or events.
• Pitching or soliciting people who have made clear they aren't interested.

Speakers present their own views, and challenging ideas are part of the point. But talks, slides, and performances are covered by this code too.

Reporting a problem

If something happens that makes you or someone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, tell any organizer or volunteer at the event, or email tedxharvardsqconferences@gmail.com at any time, including after the event. You don't need to be certain a rule was broken to talk to us.

We'll take every report seriously, keep it as confidential as we can, and won't share your identity without your permission. If you're in immediate danger, call 911 first.

What happens next

Organizers will decide how to respond. That can range from a warning to removal from the event without a refund, and being barred from future events. Retaliating against someone for making a report is itself a violation of this code.