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To ensure a safe and respectful environment for all attendees at the MARC 2025, free from discrimination and harassment, the Conference Organizers will review the Safe Environment Policy in the Introductory Remarks to the conference, prior to the first talk. The Safe Environment Policy will be posted on the MARC 2025 website, along with a report form for violations of the Policy. Prior to the first talk, instructions on how to confidentially report alleged violations of the expectations of behavior will be displayed. This information will also be physically posted at the conference site. Any reports of violations of the Policy, followups, and outcomes will be recorded as part of the MARC record.

 

Safe Environment Policy, Midwest Auditory Research Conference 2025

 

MARC 2025 is committed to providing a safe environment. To foster a welcoming and respectful community, the MARC maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal or unprofessional conduct during the conference. This includes violations of applicable laws related to alcohol or drug sales or consumption, property damage, and any form of harassment. Harassment encompasses the use of derogatory language, offensive jokes, persistent unwanted contact after indication of disinterest, and sexual misconduct. Sexual harassment specifically refers to unwelcome advances, requests for favors, assault, or other inappropriate verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature. The MARC condemns discriminatory acts or remarks based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, ethnicity, age, or disability. Allegations of such behavior will be evaluated on an individual basis, and violations may include a request for private or public apologies, discharge from the Conference, or restrictions on his, her or their future attendance.

 

It is crucial to promptly report any incidents to the Conference Organizers using the Safe Environment Report Form. This ensures that the MARC can thoroughly assess the situation and work towards a resolution while respecting the concerns of all parties involved. The MARC organizers, in conjunction with NEOMED Legal Counsel, will review allegations of any inappropriate behavior on a case-by-case basis, and will gather relevant information via private discussions with all involved and any witnesses. Violations of the policy may result in the prohibition of future attendance by particular individuals. There may be instances where the Chair must use their discretion to intervene, such as stopping a speaker or addressing behavior that is clearly unwelcome or objectionable in the context of the conference environment. Typically, an apology will be offered by the accused and accepted by the complainant.

 

Individuals with questions, concerns or complaints related to harassment are encouraged to contact the Conference Organizers and/or to file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR. Filing a complaint with the Conference Organizers is not required before filing a complaint of discrimination with HHS OCR. Seeking assistance from the Conference Organizers in no way prohibits filing complaints with HHS OCR. Individuals may notify NIH about concerns of harassment, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and other forms of inappropriate conduct at the MARC and any other NIH-supported conferences.

 

Reporting Process for Violations of Safe Environment Policy

 

If you believe you have been subjected to or have otherwise experienced behavior at the MARC that violates the Safe Environment Policy, please act promptly to report the issue so that steps may be taken to address the situation immediately.

To report your concern, please complete and sign the Report Form below and deliver it via email or in person to any of the Conference Organizers (Dr. Merri Rosen, Dr. Jeffrey Wenstrup, Dr. Brett Schofield, or Dr. Alex Galazyuk). In circumstances that you believe may pose an imminent threat to the health or safety of any individual, please contact local law enforcement.

The Conference Organizers will investigate complaints fairly, discreetly and completely. It will make every reasonable effort to conduct a rapid inquiry, the results of which typically will be shared with both the individual reporting the issue and the individual(s) who has been accused of violating the Code of Conduct. Reports requesting anonymity will be respected, although MARC reserves the right to notify appropriate law enforcement should the allegations be serious enough to warrant such notice. Following completion of the MARC’s inquiry, any action to be taken against the person accused of acting inappropriately will be determined by the MARC in its sole discretion and may include a request for private or public apologies, discharge from the Conference, or restrictions on his, her or their future attendance.

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Download a report form.

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