RECS Code of Conduct Commitment
OPRE is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment at the Research and Evaluation Conference on Self-Sufficiency (RECS) that facilitates the exchange of ideas among conference participants of all social identities.
OPRE expects that all conference participants engage in appropriate behavior and refrain from inappropriate behavior (as detailed below) including but not limited to harassment or discrimination directed at an individual based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, abilities, nationality or immigrant status, class, political affiliation, physical appearance, body size, or other social identity.
These expectations apply to, and are meant to support the safety of, all conference participants (i.e., speakers, attendees, and vendors) while attending RECS. Our expectations of conference participants align with the ACF Anti-Harassment Policy Statement and the ACF Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
Specifically, appropriate behavior means:
Respectful communication and engagement: Communicating with fellow conference participants courteously. Maintaining a professional demeanor and engaging in constructive dialogue if differences in opinion arise.
Showing cultural sensitivity: Being considerate of the diversity of conference participants' backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Being respectful of the needs and preferences of other conference participants.
Safety and well-being: Behaving in ways that do not threaten or cause harm to yourself or others.
Inappropriate behavior means:
Harassment. Harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to the following: inappropriate or denigrative communication such as slurs, epithets, ridicule, rude comments, or insults; disruptive behavior such as yelling or emotional outbursts that intervene with the functioning of the conference; inappropriate gestures, expressions or pictures; physical or verbal threats; inappropriate touching or any form of physical intimidation or aggression; unwelcome and directed behavior intended to dominate, coerce, intimidate, or threaten another person.
Discrimination. Prejudicial treatment based on the social identity (see above for examples of various social identities) of another person that intentionally or unintentionally excludes an individual.
Unprofessional behavior. Harassment, defined above, that occurs in a joking manner that includes racist, heterosexist, sexist, or other discriminatory, exclusionary, or offensive jokes or name-calling.
RECS participants are encouraged to immediately report concerns or violations of these expectations by email. Responses to violations will be overseen by the Director of the Division of Economic Independence in OPRE, which is responsible for RECS. Responses will be made in consultation with OPRE Leadership in a timely manner.
