Code of Conduct & Anti-Harassment Policy

What we expect

At LEAD we do not engage in harassment of any kind, including but not limited to harassment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, appearance, religion, immigration status, pregnancy, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, and apparel or food choices. Harassment includes but is not limited to: hostile or denigrating written, verbal, or physical conduct; stalking; verbal or physical intimidation; physical assault and/or battery; harassing or non-consensual photography or recording; disruption of talks or other events; shaming or ridicule; bathroom policing; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome physical attention. No policy can fully describe all forms of harassment.

If a participant is reported or found to have engaged in harassing, threatening, inappropriate, or unsafe behavior, LEAD retains the right to take any actions reasonable or necessary to keep the event a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. This includes, but is not limited to, expulsion of participant(s), without refund.

We get it

LEAD recognizes that some topics and issues covered at this event may, by their nature, include exposure to controversial, provocative, and challenging ideas. Therefore, harassment generally does not include respectful disagreement or good-faith criticism. However, to the extent discourse distracts from the content or rises to the level of harassment as described in the paragraphs above, it will not be tolerated.

Everyone and everything is covered

This policy extends to all event participants including sponsors, vendors, independent contractors, event attendees, presenters, speakers, and workshop participants.

Keep in mind

LEAD events often include volunteers, staff, and organization leaders. Leaders should be particularly aware of the power dynamics that may exist between themselves and other participants and should take special care to be mindful of this so everyone is treated respectfully. If a volunteer or staff member approaches or agrees to socialize with leaders, leaders are encouraged to maintain their interactions in the spirit of mentorship.

Non-human animals

LEAD loves all animals, but please leave your friends at home. Only certified service animals are permitted to enter the event hotel and sessions. This is a policy of the event space.

Photos & video

LEAD reserves the right to use any photographs and video taken at any event sponsored by LEAD, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. LEAD may use these in publications or other media material produced, including but not limited to social media, brochures, websites, promotion of future events, etc.

If you do not consent to have your image recorded for distribution please inform event organizers before the event at info@leadforfarmedanimals.com. Any person or organization not affiliated with LEAD may not use, copy, alter, or modify LEAD photographs, graphics, videography, or other similar reproductions or recordings without advance written permission from LEAD. 

Understand the consequences

LEAD reserves the right to revoke, without refund, registration of any attendee or participant not in compliance with this policy; the right to remove from an event, seminar, or workshop anyone not in compliance with this policy; the right to revoke a speaker invitation; the right to cancel a contract with a sponsor, vendor or contractor that is not in compliance with this policy; as well as the right to ban participation in any future LEAD events.

How to report

Any sponsor, vendor, independent contractor, speaker, attendee, or anyone else affiliated with a LEAD event who believes they have witnessed or been subjected to harassment or discrimination should report it immediately to a member of LEAD’s Board in person, by email at info@leadforfarmedanimals.com, or with this anonymous form. 

Investigation & results

View the LEAD Harassment Investigation Policy & Procedure. 

The legal stuff

This policy should not be construed as creating any duty, obligation, or liability on the part of LEAD. It is simply intended to inform all participants and attendees of our expectations that their behavior complies with this policy.