CODE OF CONDUCT
Code of Conduct Overview
The Northeast Bat Working Group (NEBWG) is comprised of agencies, organizations, industry, and individuals interested in bat research, management, and conservation. But just as important, we are a community-driven organization of friends and colleagues that is committed to providing an atmosphere of free expression and exchange of scientific ideas. To create the best possible community, NEBWG strives to provide an environment that is inclusive and where members show respect, kindness, and courtesy to each other. It is the policy of NEBWG that all members and officers create and enjoy an environment free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, bullying, and retaliation. NEBWG has no tolerance for harassment, discrimination, bullying and retaliation in any form, against any member, for any reason, whether protected by law or under the norms of decent behavior. NEBWG expects all members, when and wherever they are representing the NEBWG community or participating in NEBWG events and electronic communications, to maintain an environment free of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or retaliation. Hostile environments reduce the quality, integrity, and pace of the advancement of science by marginalizing individuals and communities; this is the antithesis of what NEBWG engenders.
NEBWG members shall work to maintain an environment that promotes the dissemination of scientific information and supports the flourishing of science and scientific careers through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. All NEBWG members and participants in NEBWG-sponsored activities and listserv correspondence are expected to follow the NEBWG Inclusion and Professional Conduct Guidelines.
Office of the Ombudsperson
The designation of an Ombudsperson is intended to constitute a strong statement of NEBWG’s commitment to an inclusive, professional, and transparent community. The Ombudsperson position serves as a neutral and objective source of information and point of communication for members with concerns or grievances related to possible violation of the NEBWG By-laws, policies, or guidelines. The Ombudsperson is appointed by a majority vote of the Executive Committee (EC) and acts as a liaison between the membership and the (EC). The Ombudsperson is tasked with investigating and responding to complaints of unprofessional or unethical behavior by any member of NEBWG, including the governance of NEBWG by the Executive Committee.
Any member of NEBWG who believes they have been subjected to behavior or conduct inconsistent with the Inclusion and Professional Conduct Guidelines should contact the Ombudsperson (ombudsperson@nebwg.org) or a member of the Executive Committee (ec@nebwg.org) for guidance or to make a Formal Complaint.