Discs on the Exe (DE) encourages open and honest intellectual debate as part of a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at every conference. DE asks each Chair to foster rigorous analysis of all science presented or discussed in a manner respectful to all conferees. To maintain an open and respectful community of scientists and engineers, DE does not tolerate illegal or unprofessional behaviour at any conference site, including violations of applicable laws pertaining to the sale or consumption of alcohol, destruction of property, or harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment. Harassment or harassing behaviour includes the use of epithets or slurs, derogatory jokes or comments, and repeated attempts to make contact with another individual who has indicated that the contact is unwelcome. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, sexual assault and other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. DE condemns illegal or unprofessional acts or comments that discriminate against another person by reason of his or her gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, colour, religion, ethnicity, age, or disability. DE reviews allegations of any such behaviour on a case-by-case basis, and violations may result in cancellation of a conference or the prohibition on future attendance by particular individuals.

Immediate reporting to the Conference Chair and local organiser committee via email at discs-exe-conference@exeter.ac.uk is important to address a problem and allow DE the opportunity to properly assess the situation and seek a resolution of that problem while being sensitive to the concerns of all who are affected. Unless advised otherwise, the LOC will be expected to seek relevant facts from all parties involved, including initiating private discussions with those who complain about the behaviour and with those charged with the behaviour. Additional public or private conversations with those who observed the situation may be appropriate. There also may be times when it is incumbent upon the LOC to exercise its own judgment by interrupting a speaker or addressing behaviour that, when construed in the entire context of the circumstances surrounding the person making the remarks or acting out, is considered clearly unwelcome or objectionable to others at a conference.