Last Updated: 11 February 2025

The Ehlers-Danlos Society

Events Code of Conduct Policy

The Ehlers-Danlos Society (hereby referred to as The Society) are committed to providing an engaging, welcoming, and safe environment for all participants. Accordingly, all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, organizers, and volunteers are required to abide by the following Code of Conduct. The Society will enforce this policy throughout each event, all determinations of appropriate or inappropriate behavior are at The Society’s sole discretion and the decision(s) of The Society’s representatives will be final.  

Acceptable and Encouraged Behavior  

• Be professional, considerate, and respectful 

• Use welcoming and inclusive language  

• Show empathy towards other participants 

• Be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences 

• Alert representatives at The Society if conduct that violates this policy is observed 

Unacceptable Behavior  

• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including: 

• Unwelcome advances, comments, or gestures. 

• Inappropriate physical contact. 

• Displaying of sexually explicit communications. 

• Engaging in harassing or intimidating behavior, including sustained disruption which prevents an individual from speaking/being heard 

• Photographing or filming an individual/individuals against their wishes  

• Trolling, insulting, or derogatory comments, personal or political attacks 

• Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting  

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior 

• Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. 

• Gross misconduct deemed physically violent or falling under sexual harassment will not be tolerated at all and may result in removal from the event without warning or refund, and further action may be taken, including contacting relevant authorities or implementing long-term bans from future events. 

• Individuals engaging in other forms of unacceptable behavior will receive a verbal warning and are expected to comply immediately. 

• Persistent misconduct may result in removal from the event without warning or refund, and further action may be taken at The Society’s discretion. 

Reporting an Incident  

If an attendee believes they or another attendee has been subject to conduct that violates this Code of Conduct, or witnesses such conduct, they should report the violation to a representative of The Society  as soon as possible by email ([email protected]) or by speaking directly to an on-site representative from The Society. All reports will remain completely confidential. The Society is committed to supporting individuals who report misconduct. 

Policy Review and Amendments 

This policy will be reviewed annually, by the end of the first quarter (Q1), to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of The Society and its community. 

How to Contact Us  

If you have any questions about The Society’s Events Code of Conduct Policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]  

Call us: +1 410-670-7577 or +44 203 887 6132 

Or write to us at: The Ehlers-Danlos Society Headquarters, 447 Broadway, 2nd FL #670, New York, NY, 10013, USA or The Ehlers-Danlos Society Europe Office, Office 7, 35-37 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7JN, United Kingdom