Code of Conduct

HSP 2026 is committed to providing a safe, harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, language use, ethnicity, or nationality. We do not tolerate harassment of any kind. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled at the discretion of the conference organizers.

  • Verbal comments that reinforce social hierarchies based on gender, sexual orientation, disability, appearance, race, age, religion, or nationality
  • Displaying sexual images in public spaces
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
  • Behaviors aimed at making individuals or groups feel unwelcome, or encouraging ostracism
  • Harassing photography or recording
  • Disruption of talks or other events
  • Inappropriate physical contact
  • Unwelcome sexual attention
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviors

These behaviors are unacceptable during both in-person interactions and in online spaces (e.g., event-related chats or social media).



Enforcement


Participants who are asked to stop harassing behavior must comply immediately. Event organizers may take any action necessary to maintain a welcoming environment, including issuing warnings, expelling offenders, barring future participation, reporting incidents to the offender's institution or funding agencies, or contacting law enforcement.


Organizers may take action against any behavior that disrupts the event or creates a hostile environment.


We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues (including online platforms like Zoom) and during social activities. While these rules apply to event-related activities, we encourage participants to uphold these standards outside of event activities as well.



Reporting


If you feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report the incident to Edward Gibson (egibson@mit.edu) or Evelina Fedorenko (evelina9@mit.edu). Violations of the Code of Conduct detract from the experience for everyone, and we want to ensure a positive, inclusive environment. Please note that the info@hsp2026.org email address forwards to all conference organizers and is intended for informational requests, not for reporting violations of the Code of Conduct.


Medical or life-threatening emergencies: For medical or life-threatening emergencies, contact 911 or the MIT Police at (617) 253-1212 immediately.



Adapted from the HSP 2025 Code of Conduct