#NJSTEMtogether Communities Challenge
Code of Conduct
(Source: MLH - https://static.mlh.io/docs/mlh-code-of-conduct.pdf)

Be respectful. Harassment and abuse are never tolerated. If you are in a situation that makes you uncomfortable at an officially sanctioned South Jersey STEM & Innovation Partnership (SJSIP) Communities Challenge event, if the event itself is creating an unsafe or inappropriate environment, or if interacting with a SJSIP representative or event organizer makes you uncomfortable, please report it using the procedures included in this document.

Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. If what you’re doing is making someone feel uncomfortable, that counts as harassment and is enough reason to stop doing it.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

South Jersey STEM & Innovation Partnership (SJSIP) stands for inclusivity. We believe that every single person has the right to participate in the SJSIP events in a safe and welcoming environment.

Sponsors, judges, mentors, volunteers, organizers, SJSIP staff and anyone else at the event are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, attendees should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material both in their challenge and during the event. Event staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing, uniforms, costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, SJSIP may take any action SJSIP deems appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no eligibility for reimbursement or refund of any type.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns during the events, please contact SJSIP using the reporting procedures defined below.

SJSIP representatives will be happy to help participants contact campus security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all SJSIP events, online interactions in relation to the event, challenge related social events, and on supplied transportation.

 Reporting Procedures

If you feel uncomfortable or think there may be a potential violation of the code of conduct, please report it immediately using one of the following methods. All reporters have the right to remain anonymous.

You can send information to the general reporting line or to one or more of the three SJSIP representatives listed below.

  • General Reporting: +1 (856) 982-5562, sguzman@rdnj.org

  • Direct Contact Reporting:

South Jersey STEM & Innovation Partnership (SJSIP) reserves the right to revise, make exceptions to, or otherwise amend these policies in whole or in part. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact SJSIP by email at sguzman@rdnj.org

This guide was last updated on:
September 22, 2020