HEI Code of Conduct

March 2022

Professional and Respectful Conduct at HEI Events

HEI fully expects that all participants who attend any in-person or online meeting or event behave with the utmost respect for peers, colleagues, staff, volunteers, researchers, sponsors, and everyone across the HEI community. It is our sincere desire that every event, meeting, and gathering we host or participate in fosters and encourages an inclusive, positive, and welcoming environment for all. This includes all HEI, HEI Global Health, and HEI Energy programs and activities.

It is the goal of HEI to promote and support environments that are free of harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity or expression, disability, handicap, military obligations, active military or veteran status. Discrimination, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other unwelcome actions or language of any kind will not be tolerated and will be responded to immediately.

HEI takes allegations of harassment seriously. Management will respond promptly to complaints of harassment and will conduct an impartial investigation. Where it is determined that such inappropriate conduct has occurred, HEI will act promptly to eliminate the behavior and impose such corrective action as is necessary. This may include being asked to leave any HEI meeting immediately and without refund, as well as removal from current or future service on HEI committees or boards.

Definition of Harassment

HEI views harassment as unwelcome verbal or non-verbal conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward a person and has the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Harassing conduct includes epithets; slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; denigrating jokes and display or circulation of written or graphic material.

Confidentiality

Consistent with applicable laws and regulations, information contained within or about a complaint is kept strictly confidential, and information is revealed only on a need-to-know basis. HEI will not retaliate or tolerate retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report of discrimination, harassment, or bullying.

Need to report unprofessional or disrespectful behavior? Please email Jackie Rutledge at jrutledge@healtheffects.org or call her at 617-488-2338.