Code of Conduct
the Super quick version
Hack the Gap is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or socioeconomic status. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any venue, including hackathons, talks, workshops, or meetups. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue without a refund at the discretion of the Hack the Gap team.
The not-so-super-quick version
Hack the Gap is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or socioeconomic status. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any venue, including hackathons, talks, workshops, or meetups. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue without a refund at the discretion of the Hack the Gap team.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or socioeconomic status.
Sexual images in public spaces
Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
Harassing photography or recording
Sustained disruption of talks or other events
Inappropriate physical contact
Unwelcome sexual attention
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
Enforcement
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Sponsor or vendor booths, or similar activities are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the Hack the Gap team retains the right to take any actions to keep the space a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the space with no refund.
Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.
We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities. We think people should follow these rules outside event activities too!
Reporting
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. The Hack the Gap team can be identified by t-shirts. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our space for everyone. We want you to be happy at our events. People like you make our event a better place.
You can make a report either personally or anonymously.
Anonymous Report
You can make an anonymous report here.
We can't follow up an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent a recurrence.
Personal Report
You can make a personal report by:
Calling or messaging this phone number: 651-468-6577. This phone number will be continuously monitored for the duration of the event.
Contacting a Hack the Gap team member, identified by t-shirts.
Submit a report here.
When taking a personal report, we will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we'll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won't be asked to confront anyone and we won't tell anyone who you are.
Our team will be happy to help you contact local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of our event. We value your attendance.
Contact info
Hack the Gap team: hello@hackthegap.com
Police/medical emergency: 911
Sexual Violence Center 24 Hour Hotline: (612) 871-5111
This anti-harassment policy is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers.
