NANOS Anti-harassment Policy

(modeled after https://www.arvo.org/annual-meeting/meeting-info/anti-harassment-policy/)

Membership of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society consists of physicians, scientists, and trainees who seek to advance the field of neuro-ophthalmology through education, research, and developing clinical expertise.

Through our annual scientific meeting, support of professional seminars, publication of the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, distribution of research grants in neuro-ophthalmology, and provision of e-mail discussions for lively clinical exchanges, we promote the free exchange of ideas as well as critical discourse and evaluation. This freedom of ideas and discussion is accompanied by a critical responsibility of professional conduct as well as personal, individual responsibilities to maintain an environment free from harassment.

A harassment-free environment is one in which conduct is based on respect for others and which does not in any way exploit power and/or status differences, such as those that exist between (but not limited to) faculty and students, senior and junior colleagues, employers and those seeking employment, or those who grant access to publication, presentation, or other NANOS activities and those who seek such access. It also includes conduct based on respect in peer-to-peer relationships.

Harassment may be defined as offensive or inappropriate comments or nonverbal conduct in relation to a person or group of persons on the basis of personal characteristics which (i) has the effect or purpose of creating a hostile or intimidating environment; or (ii) has the effect or purpose of offending or demeaning a person or group of persons; or (iii) functions implicitly or explicitly to limit participation in a professional program, activity or opportunity. It is also the case that the victim of harassment can be anyone affected by the offensive conduct, not just the individual at whom the conduct is directed. In other words, what one or two persons may consider "joking around" may be unwelcome to or offensive to a bystander. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal comment or physical conduct of a sexual nature by a person who knows or ought reasonably to know that such conduct is unwanted, including situations in which (i) the request or conduct involves any implied or expressed promise of professional reward for complying; or (ii) the request or conduct involves any implied or expressed threat of reprisal or denial of opportunity for refusing to comply; or (iii) the request or conduct results in what reasonably may be perceived as a hostile or intimidating environment. Such examples are illustrative, not exhaustive.

Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature, or consensual personal and social relationships without a discriminatory effect. It refers to behavior that reasonably situated persons would regard as not welcome and as personally intimidating, hostile, or offensive.

NANOS is committed to the creation and maintenance of a harassment-free environment in all of its activities, meetings and events. The professional conduct of all members and non-members who participate in such activities, meetings and events is essential for preserving this standard. NANOS is also committed to preventing harassment by or toward its employees and third parties involved in its activities, including contractors, vendors, volunteers, or guests.

Any person who has experienced a serious verbal threat or any physical assault should contact law enforcement officials immediately.

Any person who desires to report a possible violation of the NANOS Anti-harassment Policy should promptly contact the NANOS Executive Office through this form. If the incident occurs during any event organized by NANOS, then the Executive Office should be directly contacted as soon as possible. The matter will be discussed by either the President, President Elect or Executive Vice President of NANOS or the Ethics committee depending on the content of the incident. NANOS has established procedures to address complaints under this Policy that provide guidelines for gathering information, maintaining confidentiality to the extent possible, reaching a determination, and determining the consequences. The investigation of a complaint shall include discussing the complaint with the individual(s) against which the complaint has been directed. Once determination is made, all parties will be apprised of the resolution. No individual will be retaliated against for making a complaint or assisting with the investigation of a complaint. Anyone who is found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, reprimand and/or suspension or termination of the individual's membership and/or participation in current or future NANOS operated, sponsored, or affiliated events.

Procedures

The procedures for investigation and redress are split into two categories: allegations of harassment against members and allegations against non-members. If the person against whom the allegation of harassment is made falls into two categories, for example, the person is both a vendor and a member, they will be treated as a member.

1. Allegations Against Members
   1. NANOS receives a report of harassment by a member during or in association with a NANOS-sponsored event, meeting or social gathering.
   2. The Executive Vice President, President, or President Elect may request any or all of the parties to leave the event, meeting, or gathering immediately upon receipt of the report, depending on the circumstances.
   3. Any allegation which appears to be potentially criminal in nature will be promptly reported to appropriate authorities.
   4. The President, Executive Vice President, and President Elect will convene a three-person panel, including one member from the NANOS Ethics Committee and at least one from the Board of Directors. This panel will be convened as soon as possible after the receipt of the report, but no later than ten business days following its receipt.
   5. The panel will conduct a confidential investigation, with both parties having the choice to submit in-person or written statements. Third party witness statements may only be in writing.
   6. The panel will decide the consequences, if any, including, but not limited to dismissal of the allegation, apology, reprimand, suspension, or termination of membership in the Society, with loss of any rights and privileges afforded to NANOS members.
   7. The party receiving the consequences may appeal to a new three-person panel also convened by the President, President Elect, and Executive Vice President , at his or her option The recommendation of this panel is final.
2. Allegations Against Non-Members
   1. NANOS receives a report of harassment by a non-member during or in association with a NANOS-sponsored event, meeting or social gathering.
   2. The President, Executive Vice President or President Elect may request any or all of the parties to leave the event, meeting, or gathering immediately upon receipt of the report, depending on the circumstances.
   3. Any allegation which appears to be potentially criminal in nature will be promptly reported to appropriate authorities.
   4. The President, Executive Vice President or President Elect will convene a three-person panel including one member from the Ethics Committee. This panel will be convened as soon as possible after receipt of the report, but no later than ten business days following its receipt.
   5. The panel will conduct a confidential investigation, with both parties having the choice to submit in-person or written statements. Third party witness statements may only be in writing.
   6. The panel will decide the consequences, if any, including, but not limited to dismissal of the allegation, apology, withdrawal of vendor privileges for a specific time or permanently, or other consequences.
   7. The party receiving the consequences may appeal to a new three-person panel and, at his or her option. The recommendation of this panel is final.