ACS Volunteer and Participant Code of Conduct Policy
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect (DEIR) Advisory Board and the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Respect (DEIR)
The American Chemical Society aspires to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive and respectful community of highly skilled chemical professionals.
We encourage inclusivity and oppose discrimination in scientific learning and practice based on - but not limited to - race, religion, country or ethnic origin, citizenship, language, political opinion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, and economic class in academic, industrial, and government workplaces. The Society believes that an enduring commitment to diversity enables excellence, innovation, and transformative action in current and future generations of chemical professionals.
As a global scientific society, we affirm the international principles that the responsible practice of science, free from discrimination in all of its forms, is fundamental to scientific advancement and human wellbeing, as outlined by the International Council for Science’s (ICSU) Statute 51.
We also affirm our commitment to a scientific environment that facilitates the execution and communication of scientific work with integrity, fairness, and transparency at all organizational levels. This extends to our general scientific endeavors—including our professional interactions and engagement with other scientists, trainees, and the general public. We recognize that harm to our profession, our scientific credibility, individual wellbeing, and society at large is caused by not doing so.
To this end, the Society will implement the principles of diversity, inclusivity, and equity within ACS leadership and membership to build a community across the chemical enterprise. We are committed to quantifying and monitoring our diversity.
- Harassment, discrimination, and microaggressions are real. Negative experiences caused by non-inclusive behaviors are painful and damaging to victims.
- Pretending poor behavior does not happen in our community is not only dishonest, it is dangerous to members who may experience harassment.
- We must be prepared to listen to and support victims of harassment.
- Creating a harassment-free space is essential for accomplishing our goals, and thriving as a chemistry community.
The mission and vision of the American Chemical Society (“ACS”) is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people, as well as to improve all people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry. As one of the world’s largest scientific organizations, ACS is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, respectful, positive, and welcoming environment for all participants at every event, whether in-person or online.
This Volunteer and Participant Code of Conduct Policy outlines ACS’ expectations for all ACS members and participants at in-person and virtual events and activities, including but not limited to seminars, symposia, trainings and courses, mixers, meetings, programs, and gatherings that are organized, hosted, planned, or managed in whole or in part by ACS or its units (“ACS Hosted Events”). Participants, including but not limited to, those engaging with ACS as members, officers, affiliates, associates, volunteers, attendees, exhibitors, partners, speakers, and service providers (“Participants”), are expected to communicate and abide by this policy at all times.
- Participants should understand and support ACS’ mission and vision.
- Participants are expected to act in a professional, courteous, cooperative, and respectful manner in order to contribute to a safe, collegial, inclusive, and positive environment for all Participants. Participants shall not engage in any action that could be considered bullying, threatening, or that implies or inflicts physical or emotional harm.
- Participants shall not discriminate, harass or take any inappropriate actions based on any characteristic protected by applicable law, including but not limited to race, religion, national origin, country of residence, citizenship, language, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, economic status, marital status, or/and physical appearance.
- Specifically with regard to sexual harassment, Participants shall not engage in any unwelcome sexual conduct, including but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual jokes or inferences, stalking, lewd or offensive sexual behavior. Any verbal or physical sexual harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Personal boundaries set by others must be observed.
- Participants will comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the relevant government authorities, as well as all rules, safety guidelines, and regulations of the venue for any ACS Hosted Event.
- Participants shall only use ACS’ trademarks, insignia, name, logos, and other intellectual property in compliance with the ACS Governing Documents and/or Branding Guidelines.
- Participants granted access to sensitive, confidential, and/or proprietary information of ACS, including but not limited to, trade secrets, financial data, business data, personally identifiable information (PII), governance records, presentations and abstract papers, and any other non-public information, must take reasonable efforts to protect and safeguard such information.
- Participants are prohibited from engaging in unauthorized photography or recording, including within the event environment for use on social media, without the prior permission of the event organizer, the individuals to be photographed/recorded, and/or owners of any underlying content.
- Participants shall fully disclose all potential and actual conflicts of interest, including but not limited to distinguishing whether they are speaking as an individual or in an ACS capacity.
- Participants may be required to consent to a background check in order to participate in ACS Youth Events as may be required under applicable laws and regulations or otherwise deemed appropriate in accordance with the ACS Youth Protection Policy. ACS Youth Events includes but is not limited to any organized event, activity, or program that is hosted or sponsored by an ACS unit in-person or online that involves participation with minors. Additionally, individuals working either directly or in an unsupervised capacity with these certain groups should familiarize themselves and comply with any relevant reporting laws regarding volunteers and background checks.
- Participants shall comply with applicable antitrust laws and are prohibited from discussing or making unlawful agreements at ACS Hosted Events. Participants shall refrain from inappropriate discussion of business operations or exchanging competitively sensitive information.
- Violations of this policy at ACS Hosted Events or in connection with participation in other ACS activities must be reported promptly either to the ACS Office of the General Counsel (“OGC”) at whistleblower@acs.org
or via one of the anonymous methods listed below. Please reference “ACS” or the “American Chemical Society” in the subject line of any written submissions. All reported concerns will be reviewed in a timely manner.
- Report an Incident: Online Form
- Toll-free phone number: 855-710-0009 or 800-216-1288 (Spanish)
- E-mail: reports@lighthouse-services.com
- Fax: (215) 689-3885
- Where appropriate, the OGC will investigate the allegations as reasonably promptly as possible. Upon completion of the investigation, the OGC will, in coordination with the Secretary, inform the appropriate governing body of the results of the investigation so that body can take such actions as they may determine appropriate to ensure any violation of this Policy is not repeated. Information will either be provided to the Chair of the ACS Board of Directors or in the case of Councilor conduct, the Council Policy Committee. Potential actions include but are not limited to the following:
- A warning to the offender
- Removal from the meeting or event without refund
- Blocking individuals from online platforms
- Reporting the incident to law enforcement or other appropriate government agencies
- Exclusion from future ACS meetings, events, and activities
- Suspension or expulsion from the Society without refund
Please note, for privacy reasons, the Participant filing the initial report may not be informed of certain details related to the investigation or the precise nature of the action taken by ACS.
- Any Participant who, in good faith, reports a violation of this policy shall not be subject to retaliation. Any Participant who retaliates against someone who has reported a concern in good faith is subject to an investigation and disciplinary actions as appropriate, including by the Board of Directors, or in the case of Councilor conduct, by the Council Policy Committee pursuant to Section 13, above..
Adopted by the Board of Directors December 1, 2023
Effective May 1, 2024, as updated September 26, 2024
If you are the victim of inappropriate behavior at ACS Spring 2025, or if you see inappropriate behavior, please report to the ACS Secretary and General Counsel, at whistleblower@acs.org.
- Or report via the ACS Hotline: toll free at 855-710-0009 or 800-216-1288 (Spanish)
If you are feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at any point in the meeting, feel free to visit one of the ACS Operations offices below and notify an ACS staff person.
ACS Operations Offices
- San Diego Convention Center, Room 15A/B
- Hilton Bayfront, Aqua 311A
- Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Cove
- Marriot Marquis, Presidio 2
If you are being harassed or notice inappropriate content during a virtual session at any point in the meeting, feel free to report it at www.acs.org/acszoomsafety .