The NSF 2025 Research Infrastructure Workshop (RIW) must be a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and any form of harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Scope
This policy applies to all workshop attendees, including but not limited to speakers, attendees, organizers, and all NSF staff.
Forms of Harassment
Forms of harassment include any conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment for individuals. Examples of other forms of harassment may include but are not limited to:
- Unwelcome advances, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
- Discriminatory comments or actions based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, or other personal characteristics
- Verbal or physical abuse, threats, or intimidation
- Bullying or hazing
- Displaying or distributing offensive materials
Virtual Attendees
Be respectful, be considerate, and do not harass. There is zero tolerance for online harassment. Harassment includes cyberstalking, hateful speech and threats, and intentional flooding of a person or institution’s phone or email accounts. Immediately report any bad behavior to rioutreach@nsf.gov. The organizers will address the issue, which may include removing the participant.
Reporting and Resolution Mechanisms
If you experience or witness any form of harassment or assault at the workshop, please report it immediately. We take all reports of harassment and assault seriously and will take prompt action to address any issues.
Reporting options include:
- Contacting a conference organizer or staff member in person, by email or other electronic means
- All in-person conference organizers will have the designation “Staff” on their badge
- Email complaints may be made to: rioutreach@nsf.gov. This email will be monitored by a staff member throughout the workshop
- Calling local law enforcement or emergency services if necessary
Resolution
All reports will be kept confidential to the extent possible. Investigations will be conducted by NSF staff organizers in consultation with NSF’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OEC). Possible resolutions that NSF organizers and the OEC will consider will include but are not limited to:
- Separating the individuals involved
- Providing escorts or other safety measures
- Removing the individuals involved from the workshop
- Referring the matter to local law enforcement for further investigation and legal action
Conclusion
2025 RIW organizers are committed to creating a workshop environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all participants. We urge everyone to review this policy and abide by its provisions. We will not tolerate any form of harassment or assault and will take all necessary steps to address any reported incidents.