Code of Conduct

ASA Statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)

The leadership of the American Statistical Association commits to strengthening our professional community by making it more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive. We affirm that our mission, "Promote the Practice and Profession of Statistics," can be realized only by fully embracing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity in all of our operations. Individuals embody many traits, so the leadership will work with the members of the ASA to create and sustain responsive, flourishing, and safe environments that support individual needs, stimulate intellectual growth, and promote professional advancement for all.

We commit to these objectives:

Learn from our members and others how to identify and overcome systemic racism and hindering biases of any kind
Critically reappraise and improve the effectiveness of our JEDI efforts
Identify and develop resources for individuals and organizations in our professional community to enable growth and appreciation for cultural humility
Share openly our diversity and inclusion efforts and the solutions we have implemented

The American Statistical Association (ASA) is committed to providing an atmosphere in which personal respect and intellectual growth are valued and the free expression and exchange of ideas are encouraged. Consistent with this commitment, it is the policy of the ASA that all participants in ASA activities enjoy a welcoming environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to, members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.

ASA activities include any gathering, formal and informal, under the auspices of the ASA, including virtual meetings and online forums such as ASA Community. All participants—including, but not limited to, attendees, statisticians, students, registered guests, staff, contractors, and exhibitors—in any ASA meeting or other activity—whether official or unofficial—agree to comply with all rules and conditions of the activities. Registration for, attendance at, or participation in any ASA activity indicates your agreement to abide by this policy and its terms. To preserve a climate that encourages both civil and fruitful dialogue, the ASA reserves the right to suspend or terminate participation for anyone who violates the Code of Conduct. Please review the expectations specific to online community participation.

Online Community Expectations

Expected Behavior

Model and support the norms of respect necessary to promote the conditions for healthy exchange of scientific ideas.
In speech or conduct, do not insult or disparage other participants.
Be conscious of hierarchical structures, specifically the existence of stark power differentials between students, early career statisticians and established career statisticians—noting that fear of retaliation from more established statisticians can make it difficult for students and early career statisticians to express discomfort, rebuff unwelcome advances, and report violations of the conduct policy.
Be sensitive to indications that may suggest that individuals are feeling unwelcome.

Unacceptable Behavior

Violent threats or language directed against another person
Discriminatory jokes and language
Including unnecessary sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise sensitive materials in presentations
Posting (or threatening to post), without permission, other people’s personally identifying information online, including on social networking sites
Personal insults including, but not limited to, those using racist, sexist, homophobic, or xenophobic terms
Unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy such as sexual advances; propositions; sexual flirtations; sexually-related touching; and graphic gestures or comments about sex or another person’s dress, body, or sexual activities
Advocating for, encouraging, or dismissing the severity of any of the above behaviors.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

At the ASA’s sole discretion, unacceptable behavior may result in removal from or denial of access to meeting facilities or activities, without refund of any applicable registration fees or costs. In addition, the ASA reserves the right to report violations to an individual’s employer or institution or to a law-enforcement agency. Those engaging in unacceptable behavior may also be banned from future ASA activities or face additional sanctions.

What to Do if You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior

If you have experienced or are aware of violations of the ASA’s Code of Conduct, please use this form to submit a report. Note that there may be cases (such as those involving Title IX issues in the United States and venue or employer-specific policies) where an on-site person who is informed of harassment will be required to file a complaint.

Process for Adjudicating Findings of Misconduct

The ASA will contract with an independent entity to investigate reported violations of the conduct policy. The ombuds service provider, the investigator, and the ASA leadership will be guided by the ASA Policies and Procedures for Reporting, Investigating, and Adjudicating Violations of the ASA’s Code of Conduct.

Policies and Procedures for Reporting, Investigating, and Adjudicating Violations of the ASA’s Code of Conduct

Note: This Code of Conduct may be revised at any time by The American Statistical Association and its terms are non-negotiable. Revision history: Approved November 30, 2018, by the ASA Board of Directors. Updated October 4, 2019, by the ASA Board of Directors. Reviewed and updated April 14, 2021, by the ASA Board of Directors. Reviewed and updated April 1, 2023, by the ASA Board of Directors.