The MDPN does not tolerate harassment in any form. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, and offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or class/economic status. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, MDPN staff will take appropriate action, which may include discussing what happened and why it was harmful, issuing a formal warning to the offender, expulsion from an event with no refund, denial of attendance at future events, making a report to a participant’s place of work to inform them of the incident/behavior, and/or removal from MDPN membership. 

All participants share the responsibility of upholding this policy. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, you have three options: reporting via the Code of Conduct Reporting Form (includes an anonymous option), contacting MDPN staff at info@MIpres.org, or contacting any MDPN staff member or governance representative directly. 

If you are experiencing or witness immediate danger in violation of the Code of Conduct, you may immediately notify venue security (if applicable) or contact local law enforcement. Involving law enforcement is not our preferred approach but in extreme cases it may be necessary. Please consider the varied relationships that different communities have with law enforcement before involving them in a situation.