Bruce:

I agree with Simon, but if we must, rather than just complain, I submit various modifcations/simplifications for the group to consider.   I accept any and all further modifications.  The “fraternization” comment will need to be reworded for sure- I submit a long suggestion below, John

Charles L. Davis and Samuel W. Thompson Foundation Code of Conduct Statement

The Foundation rejects all manifestations of discrimination. We recognize and cherish the richness contributed by diversity, and take pride in the Foundation’s achievements recognizing the spectrum of diversity.

Our speakers are a direct reflection of these tenets, and as such, are held to the highest standards of ethics as well as professionalism. Our behavior as instructors and figures of authority at Foundation courses directly impacts our students and the quality of their educational experience.

We expect the highest standards of professional conduct at Foundation courses.  This code of conduct will serve to protect both student and faculty member alike, and the acknowledgement of the minimal standards contained within is an annual requirement for all Foundation officers and a pre-requisite for all speakers at Foundation courses.

1.  Infringement on copyright or intellectual property. We do not discourage the use of material that is either copywritten or in the public domain, much of which is available to the general public through the Internet and covered under Fair Use legislation.  We do, however, require the annotation of sources of all images, data, or reprinted text whenever used, as available.

2.  Interaction with course participants.  Our behavior both on and off the podium at Foundation courses will be professional at all times and reflect the highest standards of conduct. The guidelines listed below highlight many situations to bear in mind to protect the learning environment.

Fraternization.  Instructors will not fraternize physically or via social media with students outside of given course hours (or at official course social events?.)   This is a tough one to word because the social events are meant for fraternization appropriately

Inappropriate and/or intimate physical contact between all course participants is forbidden.  Aside from accepted physical greeting such as handshakes, fist bumps, etc., instructors will refrain from more intimate physical contact with students, or any form of unwanted physical contact. Simple statement delete the rest! “unwanted or not” is implied!!!

Inappropriate or off-color humor.  Off-color or vulgar humor or demeaning comments about course participants has no place in a Foundation lecture, nor do. In today’s classroom, the life experience of our students is of such incredible diversity that what may be entertaining and humorous to one may be deeply offensive to another. Modify to a single statement delete the rest

Use of appropriate pronouns.  When requested, instructors will use appropriate non-binary pronouns for course participants.

What do you mean??  Is this really necessary?  If so, give example??

Personal bias.  Speakers will refrain from interjecting political, religious or other divisive comments into their lecture.  The Foundation recognizes that all course participants have their own belief systems and that each one, from the Foundation’s perspective, is equally valid. Use just the statement, remove the rest

The use of inappropriate language does not help a lecturer “bond” with an audience but demonstrates the shortcomings of an instructor’s vocabulary and judgment.  As such, profanity, vulgarity, or sexualized language is to be avoided. Just make the statement!  Remove the rest

Imagery.  All imagery and commentary on such will be within the bounds of such what?

As previously stated, behavior of our Faculty is a direct reflection on the Foundation.  Why repeat here? Delete it

From: Bruce Williams <bruce.h.williams.dvm@gmail.com>
Date: Friday, March 13, 2020 at 12:25 PM
To: "directors@list.cldavis.org" <directors@list.cldavis.org>
Cc: SAMUEL THOMPSON <cldavisdvm@comcast.net>
Subject: [Directors] Agenda item: Draft Code of Conduct

Agenda Item:

The Foundation is taking a public and aggressive stance against all forms of discrimination and all forms of harassment.  The updated Tenets of the Foundation was the first in a series of steps, all of which will be discussed by the Board of Directors before being voted into effect  These three steps are designed to make all of our instructors and students feel  (and be) safe with the actions of others at Foundation courses, and I believe will be effective in preventing such actions from occurring at Foundation events in the future.  

The first step was the Tenets of the Foundation (now published on the Foundation website).  This second step is a code of conduct which outlines the behavior expected of Foundation Faculty of Discussants, non-Faculty members speaking at every course, and their signature and acknowledgement will be an annual requirement, to be coordinated by course directors and the Office of the CEO.

The draft code of conduct is presented to the BOD, and this item is proposed by myself, and is seconded by Dr. Jey Koehler.  We will have a 7-day period of discussion, during which a free flow of thoughts toward anything that has not been addressed, as well as thoughts on wording changes may be discussed.  Following this, a second draft will be circulated for an enactment vote.  The finalized code of conduct will become a public document and circulated on the Foundation website, listserv, and social media.  

The third step (which will be submitted for Board Discussion at a future date) is currently in development.  This will involve development of a reporting system available to students and faculty at Foundation courses.  It will allow for anonymous or signed reports of potential infractions and inappropriate behavior at Foundation activities. These reports will be forwarded to a committee composed of 4-5 members of our Board for investigation and potential action against Foundation faculty or attendees which may preclude them from future interaction with the Foundation.

It should be stressed that the scope of the code of conduct applies to those only in service to the Foundation and events at Foundation courses.  It is not the purview or responsibility of the Foundation to investigate individuals for actions outside of the scope of Foundation activities.  

Members of the Board are welcome to discuss the attached DRAFT Code of Conduct for a period of seven days, and discussion will end on 20 March.

Thank you everyone for your attention to this and please stay safe during this difficult time.

bruce