The SOT Code of Conduct was adopted on November 4, 2019, and last reviewed and revised on July 27, 2022.
SOT Commitment
The Society of Toxicology (SOT) is committed to providing a safe and productive environment for all its meetings—one that fosters open dialogue, the free exchange of scientific ideas, the promotion of equal opportunity and is free of any sort of harassment, coercion, and discrimination. The SOT Code of Ethics requires all members to act with integrity, and it is expected that all meeting participants treat others with respect and consideration; follow venue rules; and alert SOT staff, officers, or security of any potentially dangerous situations, individuals in stress, or instances of harassment, coercion, or discrimination. SOT is fully cognizant that there are areas of science that are controversial. SOT meetings will serve as a forum to consider and debate scientifically relevant viewpoints in an orderly, respectful, and fair manner. The policies herein apply to all meeting attendees, speakers, exhibitors, guests, staff, contractors, and volunteers.
What is harassment?
Harassment includes any communication or behavior that is not welcome or is personally offensive. Harassment for any reason is not tolerated by the Society. Behavior acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to others. Therefore, meeting attendees must use discretion to ensure that respect is clearly communicated. Harassment expressed in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior. Retaliation for reporting harassment is a violation of this policy, as is reporting an incident in bad faith.
Reporting harassment
SOT is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone at any SOT meeting. If an individual experiences or witnesses harassment of any kind, they should contact SOT staff by email or by calling 703.438.3115 or should use a venue phone or personal cell phone to contact venue security. All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly according to SOT policies and procedures.
To file a grievance of harassment:
- Notify meeting staff by email or by calling 703.438.3115.
- SOT staff will discuss any grievance first with the individual filing the grievance, then with the alleged offender; seek counsel if the appropriate action is unclear; and report the incident and any findings to SOT Council and the Society’s legal counsel.
- SOT will consult with the individual filing the grievance before taking any action.
SOT reserves the right to remove an individual from a meeting without warning or refund of any expenses, to prohibit attendance at future SOT meetings, and to notify the individual’s employer.
If there are questions related to this policy, please send an email to SOT Headquarters to the attention of the SOT Executive Director or call 703.438.3115.