Code of conduct and safety plan
ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Meeting Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy
At the ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Meeting, we’re committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and welcomed. We believe that multiple perspectives and experiences enrich our discussions and propel glaucoma research forward. This Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy is designed to ensure a positive experience for all participants, including attendees, speakers, exhibitors, organizers and staff.
Our Commitment to Respectful Engagement
We expect all participants to engage with respect, dignity, and thoughtfulness, valuing the contributions and viewpoints of others. Open and constructive dialogue is the cornerstone of productive collaboration, and we ask everyone to communicate respectfully and attentively, taking care to avoid language or actions that could be hurtful or exclusionary.
Behaviors That Have No Place Here
To maintain a positive and professional atmosphere, certain behaviors will not be tolerated. This includes any form of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, nationality, or physical appearance. Offensive comments, jokes, gestures, or images, particularly those that target specific personal attributes, are prohibited. Other unacceptable behaviors include stalking, following, unwanted contact, or any form of uninvited sexual attention. Additionally, we ask that all participants respect the flow of sessions by refraining from disruptive behavior.
Reporting a Concern
If you experience or observe behavior that violates this policy, please report it promptly to meeting organizers via email or in-person at the registration/information desk. Your comfort and safety are paramount to us, and we pledge to handle all reports with confidentiality and sensitivity.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Participants who are found to violate this Code of Conduct may face consequences, including being asked to stop the offending behavior, being removed from the event without a refund, notifying the person’s institution, and/or being prohibited from attending future meetings, depending upon the severity of the offense.
Contacting the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
Individuals who have questions, concerns, or complaints related to harassment or discrimination are encouraged to contact either the conference organizers or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR). You can file a civil rights complaint with HHS OCR via:
Please note that filing a complaint with the conference organizer is not required before filing a complaint with HHS OCR, and that seeking assistance from the conference organizer does not prohibit filing a complaint with HHS OCR.
Reporting to the NIH
Participants may also report concerns regarding harassment, discrimination, or other inappropriate conduct occurring at NIH-supported conferences directly to the NIH. For more information or to file a complaint visit NIH’s “Find Help” webpage at https://grants.nih.gov/policy-and-compliance/policy-topics/harassment/find-help.
Acknowledgment of ISER/BrightFocus Code of Conduct
By joining us at the ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Meetings, you agree to uphold these principles and contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and dynamic environment. Thank you for helping us create a conference where everyone can focus on advancing glaucoma research in a safe and welcoming setting.