Out for Undergrad Code of Conduct

We ask that every person speak respectfully to one another and about one another in the manner in which feels respectful to that person.

Don’t assume one’s sexual orientation.

Many of us identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and many of us do not. Please do not assume you can discern another’s sexual orientation based on their presentation in an image file online.

Don’t assume one’s gender identity.

Many of us identify as men or women, and many of us do not. Please respect anyone’s choice of gender pronouns, along with any other forms of self-identification. If it is relevant to know someone’s gender identity check their profile on Pathable first for pronouns they use. If pronouns are not visible, it is polite to ask, “What pronouns do you use?” If a person’s gender identity is unknown or irrelevant, please use gender-neutral language (like “that person” or “they,” instead of “that woman,” “he,” or “she”). You may be surprised how often gendered pronouns are irrelevant to the conversation at hand.

A Primer on Pronouns.

Many of us use the common pronouns “he/him/his” or “she/her/hers,” and many of us do not. Below is a basic guide for using and pronouncing other common personal pronouns. As with learning any new language, mistakes are understandable; though being misgendered or forced to correct others can be upsetting for people, and is inconsistent with our commitment not to assume one’s gender identity. We ask you to do your best.

Singular they/them/their. The most common set of pronouns for folks who prefer gender-neutral pronouns, and the best way to refer to someone whose pronouns you don’t know. E.g., “Someone is at the door, I’ll let them in.” Note that the verb form is third-person plural: e.g., “They were standing over there”, not “they was standing over there.”
Ze/zir/zir (or ze/hir/hir). “Ze” is also gender-neutral. It is pronounced like “zee” and used the same way as “she” or “he.” E.g., “Ze is standing over there.” “Zir” is pronounced like “zeer”, e.g., “I just shook hands with zir.” “Hir” is pronounced like “here”, e.g., “I introduced myself to hir.” Unlike singular “they,” these pronouns take the third person singular, e.g., “Ze is happy,” not “Ze are happy.”
Xe/xem/xyr. The “x” is pronounced as a “z”, so “xe” is pronounced like “ze.” Usage is the same as for ze/zir/zir.

Address others with non-sexist, gender-neutral, erasure-free language

Beyond pronouns, please make a conscious effort to use non-sexist, gender-neutral, and erasure-free language throughout the experience. Avoid all derogatory, misogynistic, and emasculating terms and phrases. For example, please refrain from using gendered terms when addressing mixed company (e.g., instead of “freshmen,” try “first-year students,” and instead of “you guys,” try “y'all,” “everyone,” “friends,” “team,” or “folks”). Language that excludes bisexuals, transgender people, and genderqueer people also erases them; please choose instead more inclusive language (e.g., rather than say “gays and lesbians” say “LGBTQ+ people”).

Respect all races and cultures

The LGBTQ+ community is incredibly diverse, and the O4U community is no exception. At O4U, we actively seek and celebrate diversity; and we are committed to overcoming discrimination based on all characteristics. Racist and discriminatory comments or attitudes will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

Zero tolerance for harassment

We expect all students, volunteers and employers to support our commitment to respect and inclusivity. We have zero tolerance for harassment, inflammatory language, unwanted advances of any kind, or conduct unbecoming of professionals in the workplace and between individuals with power and privilege.

As you interact within the O4U Community, conduct yourself in a manner befitting a professional in a work environment. O4U takes a zero-tolerance position on harassment, inflammatory language, unwanted advances of any kind, sexual or amorous relationships in which noticeable difference(s) in privilege and/or professional power are inherent, and other conduct unbecoming of professionals in the workplace.

Additionally, it is an expectation that mentors, sponsors, organizers, volunteers, speakers, performers, and staff do not engage with student attendees on any dating platforms (such as Hinge, Bumble, Grindr, etc.) during the conference duration. We recommend the avoiding the usage of dating platforms during the conference for mentors, sponsors, organizers, volunteers, speakers, performers, and staff since an individual may not know that another user on the platform is a student attendee at the conference. Discontinuation of use during conference programming will help to avoid interactions that may be considered a misuse of power or privilege.

It is also an expectation that students do not engage with mentors, sponsors, organizers, volunteers, speakers, performers, and staff on dating platforms of any kind during that time.

Investigations of Misconduct

O4U will investigate all allegations or reports of misconduct. O4U expects community members to model professional decorum, recognize situations in which inherent power and/or privilege is theirs, and avoid using that power and/or privilege in any way that would be detrimental to a student or community member.

If anyone in our community experiences or observes a violation of the Code of Conduct, we encourage them to:

Share their feelings with the person whose behavior they believe has been inconsistent with our commitment, provided they feel safe and comfortable doing so; and/or,
Inform O4U’s Chief of Staff, Amanda Zielinski Slenski about the incident at mailto:amanda.zielinskislenski@outforundergrad.org; and/or,
Submit a grievance by emailing info@outforundergrad.org with the subject line “Grievance” and include your account of the incident in the body of the email.

O4U will investigate all allegations and reports of misconduct to determine how best to preserve or restore the safety and mutual respect we are committed to fostering, and then take action as necessary to uphold that determination. Consequences for persons found responsible for misconduct range from one-on-one conversations with O4U leadership to expulsion from O4U programs and/or prohibition from future events. State and/or local authorities will also be contacted if/when appropriate or necessitated by law.

Additional policies

Attendees at all O4U conferences and events, along with any guests, must comply with all federal, state, and local laws related to alcohol use, distribution, and purchase. All attendees are responsible for self-reporting their legal age (along with providing valid government ID when requested) and for their personal conduct, including refraining from excessive alcohol use. During any event sponsored or endorsed by O4U, no individuals under the legal drinking age may possess, consume, provide, or be provided alcoholic beverages.

Additionally, the possession, sale, or use of any drugs or non-prescribed controlled substances, as well as the abuse of any prescribed controlled substance, is prohibited during events or conferences and/or in any situation sponsored or endorsed by O4U.

Code of Conduct

The goal of the Code of Conduct is to create a baseline of expectations.