Overview
The OCB Program and the activities that it supports provide a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants. OCB welcomes a diversity of views and opinions. Participants are encouraged to respectfully express their viewpoints, with consideration of time and space for other participants to do the same. The OCB Program Code of Conduct, which is guided by the AGU Meetings Code of Conduct, applies to all participants, staff, and support personnel of OCB-sponsored activities, as well as recipients of OCB support to participate in other meetings and activities.
You can use this form to report disturbing and/or inappropriate behavior that you experience directly or witness happening to someone else at an OCB event.
You can email (ocb_news@whoi.edu - this email goes to the three project office staff members Heather, Mai, and Mary only) or speak directly to an OCB staff member ANY TIME if you experience or witness any form of misconduct, including harassment, bullying, and/or other behaviors or comments that violate OCB's Code of Conduct.
WHOI Land Acknowledgment
We collectively acknowledge that Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is located on the unceded ancestral and contemporary land of the Wôpanâak (Wampanoag people). We acknowledge the Mashpee, Aquinnah, Herring Pond, and Assonet Wampanoag Tribes as the original stewards and protectors of this land and surrounding waters. We recognize the perpetuated detrimental effects that systemic governmental oppressions have had on indigenous communities as a result of colonization. By offering this land acknowledgement we accept our responsibility to understand this history, invest in reconciliation, and build accountable partnerships with these communities.
Expected behavior
Maintain a respectful and collegiate atmosphere at all times - critique ideas, not individuals
Be aware of your surroundings and of your fellow participants - as a bystander, you are expected to alert OCB staff of troubling behavior - bystander confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible
Respect and obey the rules and policies of meeting venues, hotels, and other contracted facilities
OCB does not tolerate
Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or discrimination in any form
Physical or verbal abuse of any participant
Deliberate disruption of in person or virtual presentations (oral, poster, web), phone or web meetings, or any other forms of communication
Consequences and reporting unacceptable behavior
Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately; failure to do so will result in removal from the OCB activity without refund
If unacceptable behavior of a participant compromises the comfort or safety of another participant, the perpetrator may be dismissed from the activity without warning or refund, at the discretion of OCB staff
If you are subject to or witness any form of unacceptable behavior, please immediately notify an OCB staff member in person or by email (see OCB Project Office contacts)
If you experience or witness behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety, please contact emergency services (dial 911 in U.S.)
OCB Program Anti-racism
Many people are subjected to racism on a daily basis, enduring everything from minor inconveniences to fatal interactions. This is intolerable. This week many individuals, organizations, and institutions are issuing thoughtful and powerful statements on their intolerance of racism and injustice. They also are committing to proactive measures to promote inclusion, equity, and diversity in their networks.
OCB pledges to implement anti-racism in its decision-making about leadership, community activities, and capacity building. We all need to educate ourselves as individuals, institutions, and networks, to listen to our colleagues, to self-reflect, and to take part in difficult conversations in order to be the change we want to see. OCB leadership is committed to listening, educating, and engaging with our network in anti-racist action, and we welcome your feedback and participation.
“The only way we can change the geoscience culture is by a massive shift in individual mindsets, with the aim of moving the field from passively non-racist to actively anti-racist.” – Kuheli Dutt (2019) – Nature Geoscience
“Racism, injustice and police brutality are awful on their own, but are additionally pernicious because of the brain power and creative hours they steal from us.“ - Ayana E. Johnson (2020) – Washington Post
