The idea seems to be that what matters is not the degree of harassment, but the complexity of the policies put in place. As Readercon showed, having an over-rigid policy can be meaningless, and will often be counter-productive. Praising people for the policies they supposedly have in place is meaningless. It's the atmosphere that counts.
Here is the policy that was used at the Canadian Humanist conference. Since Rebecca attended, I supposed that she agreed with it. Take a breath....
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Policy on Hostile Conduct/Harassment at Conferences
Purpose and Scope of Policy
Humanist Canada is an educational organization. As part of our educational mission, we hold conferences annually. To ensure that everyone attending our conferences is able to participate in them fully, we are committed to providing a safe and hospitable environment at our conferences. Accordingly, Humanist Canada prohibits intimidating, threatening, or harassing conduct during our conferences. This policy applies to speakers, staff, volunteers, and attendees.
Prohibited Conduct
In general, prohibited conduct includes any abusive conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with another person’s ability to enjoy and participate in the conference, including social events related to the conference.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, yelling at or threatening speakers or attendees, or any significantly disruptive conduct. By way of example, repeated interruption of a speaker by an attendee is prohibited.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected group status, as provided by local, provincial, or national law. By way of example, abusive conduct directed at someone because of their race is prohibited.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment. By way of example, unwelcome sexual attention, stalking, and physical contact such as pinching, grabbing, or groping are prohibited.
Critical examination of beliefs, including critical commentary on another person’s views, does not, by itself, constitute hostile conduct or harassment. One of the underlying rationales of this policy is to promote the free exchange of ideas, not to inhibit it.
Consequences of Hostile or Harassing Conduct
Humanist Canada has a zero-tolerance policy for hostile and harassing conduct. If a person engages in hostile or harassing conduct, appropriate remedial action will be taken, which may include, but is not limited to, expulsion from the conference. Threats of hostile conduct that are made prior to a conference may result in exclusion from the conference.
The exact remedy for hostile or harassing conduct will depend on an evaluation of all relevant circumstances, such as the severity of the conduct and prior violations by the person engaging in prohibited conduct.
When there is a reasonable basis for believing the conduct is illegal, appropriate law enforcement authorities will be notified.
Reporting Hostile or Harassing Conduct; Investigations
Persons who are the targets of, or witnesses to, hostile or harassing conduct should contact conference staff or any board member. Phone numbers for hotel/venue staff, local law enforcement, and local emergency medical personnel will be provided to conference attendees to facilitate prompt response to complaints and/or requests for assistance.
Reports of hostile or harassing conduct will be promptly addressed. On some occasions, where conference staff are witnesses to the prohibited conduct, immediate remedial action may be taken. Where a report of hostile or harassing conduct is made to conference staff after the conduct has occurred, reasonable measures will be taken to establish the facts. This will typically include discussion with witnesses, if any, and the person accused of engaging in the prohibited conduct. Inquiries into hostile or harassing conduct will be carried out as confidentially as possible given the circumstances.
Record-Keeping
Humanist Canada will make a written record of all complaints/incidents as soon as practicable. These records will be used in connection with implementing this policy. These records will be maintained in the Office of the President of Humanist Canada and will not be disclosed to individuals outside of the organization except as required by law.
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I guess that what PZ and Rebecca wants to make sure that no harassment happen. I would not go to any conferences that are so dangerous that this kind of policy is needed.
