Code of Conduct

This code of conduct, excerpted verbatim from the Society for American Archaeology “events” code of conduct, applies to all participants in the Oklahoma Public Archaeology Conference (OAC), including presenters, vendors, exhibitors, session and banquet attendees, and others.

OAC Code of Conduct

Everyone is entitled to a safe and harassment-free experience when attending OAC.

The following behaviors are prohibited at any OAC event:

• Harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and coercion

• Physical or verbal abuse, including bullying

• Unwelcome comments and/or exclusionary behaviors related to an individual's sex, gender identity, age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, physical or cognitive abilities, marital status, or sexual orientation

• Intimidation, stalking, or following

Sexual harassment and assault are also illegal according to U.S. federal law.

Cases of sexual harassment and assault, together with harmful behaviors directed toward protected groups of people, can have and do have long-lasting and far-reaching effects on those subjected to them and on the archaeology community. Such occurrences are often traumatic, with negative impacts on health, wellness, opportunities, and career trajectories. They harm people, the archaeology community, and the practice of archaeology and related fields, and they will not be tolerated at OAC. Any OAC participant who experiences harassment should report it to one of the conference organizers (Tommas Pace and Kaylyn Moore).

Prohibition against Retaliation

Retaliation is when someone penalizes another person for:

• Reporting, or expressing an intent to report, what the person believes to be assault, harassment, or any conduct prohibited by the OAC as stated in this document

• Assisting another in reporting assault or harassment or any conduct prohibited by the OAC 

• Having previously reported assault, harassment, or misconduct, and/or having participated in an inquiry, review, or investigation, whether the potential violation occurred at OAC or elsewhere

OAC strictly prohibits retaliation to ensure that any OAC event participant feels comfortable coming forward with their concerns without fear. Any person who engages in retaliation violating this Policy will be subject to barring or expulsion from OAC events. Any OAC participant who experiences retaliation should report it to one of the conference organizers (Tommas Pace and Kaylyn Moore).

Actions

The OAC organizers, shall be empowered with the discretion to take action at the OAC meeting.

Actions may include, but are not restricted to the following:

• Requiring the Subject Individual to modify and/or restrict his or her behavior and activity at the SAA Annual Meeting

• Removing the Subject Individual from the Annual Meeting

Accessibility

OAC is committed to providing a welcoming, accessible, and supportive environment for people with disabilities. All conference meetings, activities, and events will be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Any OAC participant who experiences a problem with accessibility should report it to one of the conference organizers (Tommas Pace).