AAS is committed to inclusion, equity, and respectful treatment of all conference participants and seeks to provide a safe and professional atmosphere in which attendees may learn, net-work, and participate in a welcoming environment of mutual respect. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, AAS staff, service providers, and all others, are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. This applies to all AAS meetings and events, including those sponsored by organizations other than AAS but held in conjunction with AAS events on virtual, in-person, public, or private platforms. Conduct that is prohibited includes:

Harassment, intimidation, threatening speech, or discrimination in any form, including (but not limited to) relating to race, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, disability, physical appearance, veteran/military status, marital/partner status, parental status, age, sexual orientation, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in presentations, or any other protected category.

Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.Physical violence, yelling, or other threatening behavior. Disruption of presentations during sessions, in the exhibit hall, or at other events (in-person or virtual). Use of a recording device (personal computer, mobile phone, camera, etc.) to capture images or presentations, chats, demonstrations, etc., taking place in-person or virtually during the annual conference. Presentations, postings, and messages that contain promotional materials, job offers, solicitations for services, or product announcements during virtual presentations. Making copies or taking screenshots of Q&A or any chat room activity that takes place in the virtual space.

Participants asked by anyone, including session chairs and participants, to stop engaging in hostile or harassing behaviors are expected to comply immediately. AAS reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from an in-person or virtual event without warning or refund, in response to any unacceptable behavior, and AAS reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting or event, virtually or in person. If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate behavior, please contact us promptly.

Anti-Harassment Policy

The Association for Asian Studies (AAS) strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment at its programs and events that are free from bias and intimidation for all participants. The Association does not tolerate discrimination or any form of harassment,

including but not limited to sexual harassment. No form of discriminatory or harassing conduct by or towards any employee, member, volunteer, attendee, vendor, or other person participating in AAS programs or events will be tolerated. The AAS is committed to enforcing its policy at all levels within the Association. Anyone who engages in discrimination or harassment conduct will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion from the AAS program or event, and possible revocation of membership in the association.

If anyone experiences or witnesses any violation of the AAS’s anti-harassment policy at an AAS program or event, they should report the incident immediately to: [email protected]. Reports will be treated as confidential to the extent possible to allow the AAS to assess the incident.

AAS Conference Code of Conduct Respectful Behavior Policy

Freedom of expression and vigorous debate are crucial to scholarly exchange. The AAS is dedicated to securing a safe, hospitable, and productive environment for exchange that is free from discrimination and intimidation. We expect everyone at our programs and events to demonstrate self-control and civility, even in the midst of strong disagreement, and not to engage in ad hominem attacks or bullying behavior. This expectation applies to our speakers, employees, members, volunteers, and attendees and to all meeting venues including ancillary events as well as official and unofficial social gatherings. Anyone who witnesses potential harm to a participant in an AAS program or event should be pro-active in helping to mitigate or avoid that harm. If you see a situation in which someone might be in imminent physical danger, you should alert conference security personnel or law enforcement.

Anti-Harassment Standards

The AAS prohibits any disrespectful verbal or non-verbal conduct that is based on an individual’s sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, employment status, or seniority and that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive environment.

Sexual Harassment and Assault

The AAS does not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is an unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which has made a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated. Sexual harassment includes stalking. Stalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonably situated person to feel substantial emotional distress or fear for their safety or the safety of others. Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature or affirmatively consensual personal and social relationships. Keeping in mind that consent may look different to someone in a less secure position, the best practice is for all parties to agree freely and explicitly when interactions shift away from the strictly professional.

A victim of sexual harassment or assault is not required to resist physically, and a person may be unable to provide consent (e.g., due to intoxication, psychological coercion, physical incapacitation, or other physical and mental incapacities).

Sexual Harassment and Assault

The AAS takes breaches of professional or ethical behavior very seriously. Any violations of this policy should be confidentially reported to [email protected]. Violations of this policy will be forwarded to the board of directors and may lead to sanctions including removal from the AAS conference or event and possible expulsion from the Association.

Members and conference participants who witness or experience sexual assault or other violations of local, state, and federal law are strongly encouraged to immediately report incidents directly to law enforcement officials.