RESPECT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Freedom of thought, expression, and the open exchange of ideas are central to the scientific research community at large, and RESPECT is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive forum that supports these rights for all. We want every participant to feel welcome at the conference. We aim to provide a safe, respectful, and harassment-free conference environment for everyone involved regardless of age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, or religious beliefs.
As an IEEE supported conference, we embrace the standards of the IEEE Statements on Inclusion and Event Conduct. Our community does not tolerate harassment of conference participants. We expect all interactions between attendees to be respectful and constructive, including interactions during the review process, at the conference itself, and on social media. RESPECT conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference (without a refund) at the discretion of the conference organizers. See our FAQ for details.
In addition, to promote the above goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion, RESPECT aims for
- Committee diversity – recruit qualified members of the organization committee, members of the technical program committee, and reviewers such that (1) the resulting populations are diverse with respect to gender, home institutions, geography, and research expertise; and (2) committees’ memberships vary from those in previous years.
- Speaker diversity – recruit invited speakers and panelists from diverse populations, backgrounds, and research areas within pervasive computing to ensure diversity in thinking and perspective.
- Mitigate biases – promote anonymous reviewing, as a means to mitigate subconscious biases against national origin, gender, sexual orientation, and race.
- Student travel awards – in addition to merit and need, decisions about student travel awards will consider diversity with respect to gender, age, geography, and research area.
Note: This statement has been adapted from the ACM Creativity and Cognition and the ACM SIGCHI Inclusion Statements
Statement IEEE Inclusion and Conduct Statements
IEEE Computer Society Open Conference Statement
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to the goals of the IEEE Computer Society and all of its conferences. Equity at its heart is about removing barriers, biases, and obstacles that impede equal access and opportunity to succeed. Diversity is fundamentally about valuing human differences and recognizing diverse talents. Inclusion is the active engagement of Diversity and Equity.
A goal of the IEEE Computer Society is to foster an environment in which all individuals are entitled to participate in any IEEE Computer Society activity free of discrimination. For this reason, the IEEE Computer Society is firmly committed to team compositions in all sponsored activities, including but not limited to, technical committees, steering committees, conference organizations, standards committees, and ad hoc committees that display Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
IEEE Computer Society meetings, conferences and workshops must provide a welcoming, open and safe environment, that embraces the value of every person, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, or disability. All individuals are entitled to participate in any IEEE Computer Society activity free of discrimination, including harassment based on any of the above factors.
IEEE Event Conduct and Safety Statement
IEEE believes that science, technology, and engineering are fundamental human activities, for which openness, international collaboration, and the free flow of talent and ideas are essential. Its meetings, conferences, and other events seek to enable engaging, thought provoking conversations that support IEEE’s core mission of advancing technology for humanity. Accordingly, IEEE is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment to all participants, including staff and vendors, at IEEE-related events.
IEEE has no tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any form at IEEE-related events. All participants have the right to pursue shared interests without harassment or discrimination in an environment that supports diversity and inclusion. Participants are expected to adhere to these principles and respect the rights of others.
IEEE seeks to provide a secure environment at its events. Participants should report any behavior inconsistent with the principles outlined here, to on site staff, security or venue personnel, or to eventconduct@ieee.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about RESPECT Diversity and Inclusion
- How do I communicate accessibility needs to RESPECT organizers?
Please identify any accommodations you may need at the time of registration through the RESPECT registration form. If you become aware of additional needs that you were not able to specify in your registration, please contact the General Chairs or the Accessibility Chairs. Contact information for the chairs can be found on the conference website.
- Who do I ask if my question is not answered here?
Please contact the General Chairs or the Accessibility Chairs. Contact information for the chairs can be found on the conference website.=
- Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?
Yes.
- How can I find a restroom that aligns with my needs?
Men’s, women’s, and gender neutral restrooms are available throughout the conference venue. Restrooms with diaper changing facilities are marked. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
- How will you accommodate breastfeeding or pumping during the conference?
When you complete your registration, please indicate that you need a place to breastfeed or pump. Facilities will be made available at the conference venue and will be indicated on the conference website and program.
- What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?
For any request, including but not limited to having a chair on stage, ramps up to the stage, wireless microphone, or video, please contact the Accessibility Chairs no later than 2 weeks in advance of the conference. It would be helpful if you indicate your needs in your conference registration as well.
- Can I bring my service animal?
Yes.
- Will speaker and audience members asking questions be using a microphone?
Yes. Each session chair will announce and enforce the requirement that all speakers and audience members asking questions use the microphone to promote accessibility for those that are hearing impaired.
- Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes. Please indicate your dietary needs on your conference registration.
- What should I do if I encounter a situation that I believe constitutes harrassment, discrimination, or otherwise seems in conflict with the RESPECT Diversity and Inclusion Statement?
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to the General Chairs. You can make an anonymous report via this online form or email the General Chairs. Conference organizers will review the report and will take actions to ensure that the conference is a welcoming and inclusive space.