ABOUT US: DEFCON 201 CODE OF CONDUCT
We have always had an internal Code of Conduct. As our group members and founders are made up of people who are of diverse backgrounds and face discrimination developing a Code of Conduct was one of the first things we did along with our Agenda and Mission Statement. Also reading our social media and our public actions, it is no secret that we are a haven and supporter of minority ethnicity, creeds, gender identities, sexual identities, income levels and radical thoughts.
However, due to a recent public drama (you can read it all by clicking these words to the link) it has been brought to our attention for us to fix a public loophole that sadly other groups and conventions forget to fill. Thus, here is our DEFCON 201 Code of Conduct (which we have patchwork together from our favorite Code of Conducts such as HOPE and DEFCON) that we will always follow by. We believe that publicly listing this conduct will not only make it clear to those who attend our gatherings our goals and behavior but give it no surprise when someone violates these rules of what they violated to explain the quick swift act of justice by our staff that will follow.
This post will be left on our Medium to serve as a public reference point AND will be copied to our main website and its variants in our next web refresh. This is also a LIVING DOCUMENT and as time goes on will be ratified and change as we as a group find better definitions and adapt to new challenges:
==DEFCON 201 CODE OF CONDUCT==
DEFCON 201 is dedicated to a harassment-free workshop experience for everyone. DEFCON 201 branded series of events are open, inclusive forums for sharing of ideas. DEFCON 201 provides a forum for open discussion between participants, where radical viewpoints are welcome and a high degree of skepticism is expected. However, insulting or harassing other participants is unacceptable. Our Founders want DEFCON 201 to be a safe and productive environment for everyone. It’s not about what you look like but what’s in your mind and how you present yourself that counts at DEFCON 201.
It is important for participants to step beyond prejudices, societal norms, and other perspectives that lead to disrespect for people and groups. Everyone is welcome at DEFCON 201 events, regardless of race, class, gender identity or expression, age, ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, personal appearance, or education level, text editor choice, and other aspects of who we are.
DEFCON 201 strongly values free speech. We also value our attendees and do not want any to feel marginalized or intimidated. We encourage talks and workshops that address hard topics. We also encourage everyone to think about how offhand comments they make about others may contribute to making some feel unwelcome in this community. We also do not condone “hate speech” as defined here: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hate-speech
We do not condone harassment against any participant, for any reason. Harassment includes deliberate intimidation and targeting individuals in a manner that makes them feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or afraid. This includes, but is not limited to: deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, or unwelcome sexual attention.
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. We reserve the right to respond to harassment in the manner we deem appropriate, including but not limited to expulsion without mercy and referral to the relevant authorities.
This Code of Conduct applies to everyone participating at DEFCON 201 — from attendees and members to speakers, press, volunteers, partners and our Founders.
The DEFCON 201 Founders reserves the right to eject anyone from the conference at any time. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have related concerns, we encourage you to contact our founders ASAP either in person or at info (at) defcon201 [dot] org. We also are ready to share encryption if you feel unsafe over public communications. If you feel that DEFCON 201 is not a viable option, we are looking into a third party solution in the near future.
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Now lets go out and hack!
— Sidepocket, Co-Founder of DEFCON 201
