CSTA is committed to building a thriving, inclusive, and welcoming community for K–12 computer science educators. We want every person who participates in a CSTA event to feel safe, respected, and able to participate fully.
This Code of Conduct establishes expectations for behavior at CSTA events and event-related activities. It applies to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, staff, exhibitors, and other participants. It applies to in-person and virtual events, event platforms and online spaces, and activities or interactions associated with a CSTA event.
By participating in a CSTA event, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.
Expected Behavior
Participants are expected to:
- Be present and participate actively and respectfully.
- Listen actively and remain open to learning, growth, and perspectives different from their own.
- Treat others with dignity and respect. Use welcoming, inclusive, and asset-based language.
- Make space for others to participate. Be mindful of how much time and space you use, share the microphone during discussions and Q&As, and invite others into the conversation.
- Respect differing viewpoints, experiences, identities, and approaches.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in interactions with other participants, particularly where differences in role, authority, or professional relationship may exist.
- Follow the rules, policies, procedures, and reasonable instructions of CSTA, event organizers, and the facilities hosting an event, as well as applicable laws and regulations.
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. CSTA welcomes thoughtful disagreement, debate, and the exchange of differing perspectives. Disagreement or discomfort alone does not constitute a violation of this Code. Conduct becomes unacceptable when it is demeaning, discriminatory, harassing, threatening, intimidating, disruptive, or otherwise interferes with another person’s ability to participate safely and meaningfully.
Examples of Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Demeaning, discriminatory, bullying, or harassing behavior or speech.
- Slurs, derogatory comments, or targeted negative comments about a person’s identity or characteristics.
- Unwelcome physical contact. Participants should obtain consent before touching another person.
- Sustained or intentional disruption of talks, presentations, meetings, or other event activities.
- Violence, threats of violence, or threatening or violent language directed at another person or group.
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following, whether in person or virtually.
- Unwelcome sexual attention, including sexualized comments or jokes, inappropriate touching, groping, or sexual advances.
- Displaying or sharing sexually explicit, excessively violent, or otherwise inappropriate material, including in presentations, slides, virtual backgrounds, personal devices, or event-related online spaces.
- Recording, photographing, or sharing images or recordings of others inappropriately or without required consent.
- Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of another person’s property.
- Possession or use of dangerous or unauthorized materials, including firearms, explosives, or other weapons, except where expressly permitted by applicable law and event or venue policy.
- Use, distribution, sale, or transfer of illegal drugs.
- Any other illegal activity or conduct that violates this Code of Conduct.
This list is not exhaustive. CSTA may determine that conduct not specifically listed above violates the Code when it is inconsistent with the standards and purposes described here.
Responsible Consumption
Some CSTA events or event-related activities may include alcohol service. CSTA follows applicable federal, state, and local laws and venue requirements regarding alcohol.
Participants are expected to:
- Consume alcohol responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and venue or event rules.
- Consume alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or other permitted substances only where and when allowed.
- Conduct themselves appropriately regardless of whether they have consumed alcohol or another substance.
Anyone whose behavior, whether or not related to the use of a substance, negatively impacts the safety or experience of others may be asked to leave the event.
Event Attire
- Participants should dress appropriately for the event, venue, and circumstances in which they will be participating or visible to others, including virtual or on-demand programming.
- Clothing or other visible materials may not contain threatening, discriminatory, harassing, sexually explicit, or otherwise inappropriate content.
- CSTA recognizes and welcomes cultural, religious, professional, and personal differences in dress and appearance.
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.
Event questions: If you have questions in advance of the event regarding the Code of Conduct or its implementation, please contact CSTA at events@cstastg.wpengine.com.
Emergency situations: If your health or safety are in immediate danger, please call 911. 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 directly or by email at emergency@cstastg.wpengine.com. This email will be monitored by our leadership team during events.
CSTA will make reasonable efforts to respond to reports promptly, fairly, and appropriately to the circumstances. CSTA may consider the nature and severity of the conduct, the impact on others, whether the behavior was repeated, and other relevant circumstances when determining an appropriate response. Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or participates in the review of a concern is prohibited.
CSTA reserves the right to determine whether conduct violates this Code of Conduct and what response is appropriate.
Scope and Updates
This Code of Conduct is intended to establish clear expectations for participation in CSTA events and does not attempt to address every possible situation.
CSTA may update this Code of Conduct from time to time to reflect changes in our community, events, practices, or applicable requirements. The version in effect at the time of an event will apply to participants in that event.