The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) is committed to upholding the highest standards for respectful, professional norms and behavior and to fostering an inclusive climate.  Consequently, harassment and unprofessional behavior at AAPC events, whether online or face-to-face, is considered to be a serious form of misconduct.

The following Anti-Harassment and Professional Conduct Policy modeled closely on the American Political Science Association and Midwest Political Science Association Anti-Harassment Policies, outlines expectations for all who attend and participate in AAPC events and meetings.

1. Purpose.   AAPC is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for all members and participants, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, religion or belief.  “Participant” in this policy refers to anyone present at AAPC meetings or other sponsored events, including staff, contractors, vendors, exhibitors, venue staff, AAPC members and all other participants.
2. Expected Behavior.    All participants at AAPC meetings or events are expected to abide by this Anti-Harassment and Professional Conduct Policy in all meeting venues, including ancillary events and official and unofficial social gatherings.  Compliance with this policy includes the following:

• Abiding by the norms of professional respect that are necessary to promote the conditions for free academic interchange.
• Agreement to alert relevant AAPC staff or security personnel if a situation arises where someone might be in imminent danger.

3.  Unacceptable Behavior.  Behaviors that violate the Anti-Harassment and Professional Conduct Policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Threats or actions that cause or threaten personal harm
• Threats or actions that cause or threaten professional harm, punishment or retaliation
• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions
• Prejudicial actions or comments that coerce others, foment broad hostility or otherwise undermine professional equity or the principles of free academic exchange
• Unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
• Harassing photography or recording
• Sustained, unprofessional disruption of talks or other events
• Spam (in virtual event chats), including saying or reposting the same word/content repeatedly in order to disrupt the conversation
• Other intentionally disruptive behavior

Participants at AAPC meetings or events violating this code may be sanctioned or expelled from the meeting or event without a refund at the discretion of the AAPC.

Adopted April 10, 2018