CSTA is committed to building a thriving and inclusive community for K-12 CS educators. In order to create a safe and positive experience for all, we provide and enforce a Code of Conduct at all of our events.

In order to participate in a CSTA event, all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers must agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Expected Behavior

  • Be present and actively participate.
  • Actively listen and be open to growth.
  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Use welcoming, inclusive, and assets-based language.
  • Be mindful of how much time you use and the space you take up. Share the mic during discussions and Q&As. Make room for and invite others to participate.
  • Be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences.
  • Comply with all rules, policies, procedures, laws, and regulations of the facilities, municipality, and state where the event is being held.

Unacceptable Behavior

CSTA is a place where all people are welcome and are treated with dignity. All individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, personal appearance, body size, ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, or level of experience are welcome at CSTA. Harassment, bullying, microaggressions, intimidation, and/or instances that are hurtful or interfere with any other attendee’s experience are unacceptable.

Examples of Unacceptable Behavior

Below are some examples of unacceptable behavior. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Demeaning, discriminatory, bullying or harassing behavior or speech.
  • Inappropriate physical contact; you should have someone’s consent before touching them.
  • Sustained disruption, including during talks and presentations.
  • Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person or group.
  • Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons, or similar items.
  • Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of someone else’s property.
  • Use, distribution, sale, or transfer of illegal drugs.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following, both virtually and physically.
  • Unwelcome sexual attention, including sexualized comments or jokes, inappropriate touching, groping, or sexual advances.
  • Displaying sexually explicit or violent material, including in presented materials (e.g., slides, presentations, talks) and in informal settings or on personal devices (e.g., your phone).
  • Inappropriate recording or photographing.
  • Any other illegal activity or forms of harassment not covered above.

CSTA reserves the right in its sole discretion to determine what constitutes unacceptable behavior and what actions it will take to address incidents that occur.

Responsible Consumption

You may be invited to participate in an event where alcohol is being served. CSTA follows all federal and local laws around alcohol consumption. Please be mindful of your consumption and drink responsibly.

  • Anyone found to be under the influence of any substance, whether legal or otherwise, who is behaving in a way that negatively impacts others will be removed from the event.
  • Follow the rules of the venue and event organizer around consuming alcohol, smoking, vaping, and using tobacco products. Only consume these products where and when permitted.

Event Attire

  • Dress appropriately for a live event and in cases where you will be visible to others at an on-demand event.
  • Avoid clothing that could offend other participants or the local culture, including images, patterns or slogans.

Enforcement


Any violation of this Code of Conduct will not be tolerated at CSTA events. Anyone asked by a CSTA staff member or affiliate to stop engaging in unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior or fails to comply with expected behavior at any time during the event, CSTA will take action it deems appropriate, including but not limited to removing the participant from the event without a refund.

If you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior or have any other concerns at a CSTA event, notify a CSTA staff member as soon as possible. If you have questions in advance of the event regarding the Code of Conduct or its implementation, please contact CSTA at events@csteachers.org. This email will be monitored by our leadership team during events.

This Code of Conduct is not exhaustive or final; it can be updated by CSTA staff at any time.