ISSA Chicago Chapter Anti-Harassment Policy

Why do we have an official anti-harassment policy for ISSA Chicago Chapter events? First, it is necessary (unfortunately). Harassment at events is incredibly common. Second, it sets expectations for behavior at the event. Simply having an anti-harassment policy can prevent harassment all by itself. Third, it encourages people to attend who have had bad experiences at other events. Finally, it gives event staff instructions on how to handle harassment quickly, with the minimum amount of disruption or bad press for the event.


Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, race, religion, the use or display of sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.


If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the chapter board immediately. Please note, while we take all concerns raised seriously, we will use our discretion as to in determining when and how to follow up on reported incidents and may decline to take any further action and/or may direct the participant to other resources for resolution.


We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and related social events.

License and attribution

This policy is licensed under the Creative Commons Zero license.
