In the Inclusive Education Research Lab, we strive to create a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment for all members. These values can only thrive in an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination and one that is supported by respectful communication. All lab members are expected to abide by Brock University’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy. In addition, we expect that all lab members adhere to the following guidelines:

Respectful Communication

All lab members are expected to communicate respectfully with one another. This includes being open to feedback and discussing any concerns or issues that may arise in a constructive manner.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment

Our lab does not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination, teasing or bullying. We will not tolerate intimidation, stalking, following, unwanted photography or video recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Any behaviour that undermines the dignity or respect of others will be addressed immediately. If you experience or witness any form of harassment, please report it to the Lab Manager or Lab Director.

Mutual Support

Support your fellow labmates. Help them out if they need help (even if you aren’t formally on their project). Give them constructive feedback when requested. Be dependable and follow up as you promise (unless you are dealing with unforeseen circumstances in which case you should communicate with your lab mates, Lab Manager, or Lab Director as outlined in the section on Communication Channels and Expectations). Rejoice in their success. Remember that science is collaborative, not competitive.

Behaviour that is expected and encouraged:

• Be respectful, inclusive, and accepting of others. Actively seek to challenge your personal biases, assumptions, and preconceived stereotypes. Approach differences with openness and curiosity.
• Be conscious of how your words and actions might harm others (even unintentionally). Take time to educate yourself on how to be more inclusive, and listen when someone takes the time to educate you.
• Be aware of privilege and power dynamics.
• If you share the work or ideas of others, give credit where it is due.
• Be considerate of privacy and personal boundaries.
• Be constructive in offering criticism, and be gracious in accepting it. Consider “calling in” rather than “calling out,” and direct critiques toward ideas rather than people.
• Be committed to maintaining an educational environment.

Behaviour that is strictly prohibited:

• Discrimination, including unfavourable or disparate treatment to others because of any aspect of their identity, appearance, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.
• Harassment and harassing behaviour, including use of epithets and slurs, derogatory or hostile comments, repeated attempts to make contact, or any behaviour that interferes with another person’s participation in the conference.
• Sexual harassment, including use of sexual images, jokes of a sexual or gendered nature, or any unwelcome contact of a sexual nature in any medium.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

Reports of harassment or other types of violations of the Lab’s Code of Conduct will be treated with confidentiality to every extent possible. Any documentation will be handled with utmost sensitivity.

Code of Conduct reports may be also submitted anonymously. While anonymous reports will be taken seriously, reporting an incident anonymously or wishing not to disclose key details (e.g. the name of the person being reported) may inhibit the Lab Director or Lab Manager’s ability to investigate or address the concerning behaviour.

Note that portions of our lab code of conduct are drawn from the Open Education Conference’s code of conduct.