Euro-IX Code of Conduct

1.  Introduction 

Euro-IX’s community's strength comes from its breadth of experience, diversity of views, and open, respectful exchange of ideas. These are values that we want all ourcommunity members to uphold. Therefore, everyone who participates in our community must adhere to the Euro-IX Code of Conduct (CoC).

2.  Rationale

Our goals in having this Code of Conduct are: 
To help everyone feel safe and included. Many people will be new to our community. Some may have had negative experiences in other communities. We want to set a clear expectation that harassment and related behaviours are not tolerated here. If people do have an unpleasant experience, they will know that this is neither the norm nor acceptable to us as a community. 

To make everyone aware of expected behaviour. We are a diverse community; a CoC sets clear expectations in terms of how people should behave. 

3.  Call to Action 

We need to be aware of the impact of our behaviour on others. When a person discovers they have made a mistake, they should acknowledge this and apologise. If they are unable to do this, the Trusted Contact can help. If you see behaviour that breaches the CoC, you can ask that person to stop or change what they are doing. If you are not comfortable doing so, or if this does not work, please make a report to the Trusted Contacts. 

4.  Scope 

Where this CoC Applies 

This CoC is for all participation in Euro-IX. This means all in-person events, including social activities organised alongside those events. It also means any Internet-mediated participation, including; mailing lists, real-time video or chat functionality, and communication technologies to be deployed in the future. Euro-IX will ensure that the Euro-IX CoC is applied to all events it organises, unless there is an alternative that is more suitable. 

People and Organisations Bound and Protected by the Code 
This CoC applies to all people participating within the Euro-IX community, both on-site at physical events and over the Internet. It includes everyone supporting the community, even if they do not actively participate. 

CoC and Law 

This CoC only refers to ethical behaviour for the purposes of Euro-IX activities. It is not meant to define legal or illegal activities, which are covered by the relevant laws. 

5.  Behaviour 

Euro-IX participants should be open, considerate, and respectful. This helps us to understand each other so that we can discuss issues and reach consensus. Behaviours that reinforce these values help to keep Euro-IX a positive environment to work and interact in.

Here are some examples of positive behaviours (this is a non-exhaustive list): 

• Accepting differing viewpoints and experiences 

• Acknowledging the time and effort that community members have contributed 

• Being considerate and showing empathy towards others, especially when disagreeing or raising issues 

• Being open to collaboration and working with others 

• Focusing on what is best for the community, respecting the community’s processes and working within them 

• Giving/receiving feedback or suggestions in a positive way

• Using welcoming and inclusive language Behaviours that undermine our values are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Below are some examples. It is important to be clear that this is a non-exhaustive list. Just because something is not included here, does not mean it is acceptable or is not a violation of the CoC. Identity discrimination. Any behaviour, actions, or presentation content displaying discrimination based on (this is a non-exhaustive list): 

  • Age 
  • Culture 
  • Degree of mental or physical ability or disability 
  • Education or technical expertise 
  • Experience in the community 
  • Family status 
  • Gender expression 
  • National origin or immigration status 
  • Physical appearance 
  • Race or ethnicity 
  • Religion 
  • Sexual orientation 
  • Social or economic class 

Aggressive behaviour or intimidation. Any actions that are physically aggressive or used to intimidate others (some examples include): 

• Following someone

• Inappropriate physical contact or proximity 

Aggressive communication (some examples include): 

• Calling people offensive names 
• Deliberately outing private details about someone without their consent 
• Inappropriate/unwanted sexual attention 
• Insulting someone 
• Making threats 
• Posting sexually explicit or violent material 
• Pushing someone to drink or take drugs 
• Repeatedly interrupting someone’s presentation 

Inebriation and intoxication

Some events may provide alcoholic drinks. We expect people to drink responsibly. Alcohol use or other intoxication is never accepted as an excuse for CoC violations. 

6.  Discretion to Reject Reports

This Code of Conduct is not a tool to attack others. It allows the community to apply good sense and does not provide for clever interpretations or loopholes. Reports that are not made in good faith will therefore be rejected at the discretion of the Trusted Contacts. Some examples include (this is a non-exhaustive list): 

• Counter-reports that someone’s reaction to a CoC violation is also a CoC violation (e.g. being insulting to someone who is harassing others) 

• Reports based on ‘reverse -isms’, such as ‘reverse racism,’ ‘reverse sexism,’ and ‘cisphobia’. 

• Reporting someone for their refusal to debate or provide evidence 

• Reports that criticise discriminatory or otherwise oppressive behaviour or assumptions. 

• Reports that someone is communicating in a tone you do not like 

7.  Reporting Procedures and Trusted Contacts

The Euro-IX Trusted Contacts are the Euro-IX Secretariat. You may report any incidents to the secretariat directly at secretariat@euro-ix.net or you can contact them individually using details on the Euro-IX contacts page.