Hi all, Actually I wasn't looking for the Foundation to perform background or security checks on Officers, Directors, or Faculty members, just a simple affirmation or attestation that there is nothing in their background that would represent a concern or embarrassment to the Foundation, or a violation of the tenets and codes, as representatives of this esteemed organization and its worldwide reach and reputation. With kindest regards, Steve Dempsey On Wed, Mar 18, 2020, 12:36 AM Bruce Williams < bruce.h.williams.dvm@gmail.com> wrote:
While I think that Steve’s point is valid, I do believe that it is out of the scope of this personal code of conduct, unless a particular speaker wishes to start or end their presentation with an invocation (which I don’t think I have ever seen). That being said, foreign courses (with foreign course directors) often have some rather flamboyant opening ceremonies with speeches from the mayor, chancellor, dean, department head, and other local dignitaries, where upon a blessing may sneak in.
We often learn things about new cultures when we hold meetings there - I learned at our last co-sponsored course that Thais often have different prices for Thais and “foreigners’ (their word), and in going forward with any more courses in Thailand, we will need to ascertain that that particular pricing scheme is not in place before the Foundation will participate.
Thank you for bringing this peculiarity of Filipino meetings to my attention. We will be forewarned and will consider adding a section to the SOP for Course directors, but i think this is not appropriate for this particular document (Code of Conduct).
Regarding Steve’s comment on using the CoC as a litmus test for previous behavior - I stand firmly behind my assertion that this document should apply only to time spent in service of the Foundation. This document is to be used to show people our expectations going forward, but not be used as a benchmark for purity. I will be the firs to say tI myself have not upheld all parts of this code of conduct in the past, and that much of it is taken from my own 30 year. I am hopeful that my behavior has improved over the years, and as standards have changed (for the better), and i have gained more wisdom.
It is not the duty of the Foundation to run background checks on those who wish to volunteer (and would get very expensive). It did make me think about the rare instances that I have encountered people who have claimed false credentials, but that has been a far more rare event than likely requires inclusion in this document (but we can add something in there if people feels strongly.
b
On Mar 17, 2020, at 12:07 PM, Edwards, John F <jedwards@cvm.tamu.edu> wrote:
Hi: No one else has picked up on Steve’s comment about religion, and social mores of individual countries. In the code, we might include something about this in the course oversight committee. A simple inquiry about the organizers having sought suggestions from the venue. It is hard to follow your hosts’ leads before you get to a place for the first time; however, we might consider that discussion.
Steve also asks about background checks. In business nowadays, it is critical in liability insurance to have drug and background checks on all employees. Are we the point where we should as well? Has ACVP addressed this for their professionals and liability contracts they have? I know I have had such checks only recently, except for security clearances decades ago. The discovery that university administrators submitted fraudulent CV’s caused us all to unframe and/or image our diplomas to submit to our employers. Contacting Universities several decades after one’s graduation (a time without computers) for information not on a diploma was disconcerting to all involved.
John
*From: *Stephen Dempsey <philvet76@gmail.com> *Date: *Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 9:38 PM *To: *"Edwards, John F" <jedwards@cvm.tamu.edu> *Cc: *Bruce Williams <bruce.h.williams.dvm@gmail.com>, " directors@list.cldavis.org" <directors@list.cldavis.org>, SAMUEL THOMPSON <cldavisdvm@comcast.net> *Subject: *[Directors] Re: Agenda item: Draft Code of Conduct
John
I think you make some very valid suggestions for modifying and simplifying the proposed Code of Conduct for the Foundation. I agree that these should apply to both Foundation Officers and Members of the Faculty of Discussants, but I think that the Code should also extend to participants/students attending Foundation courses, lectures and functions, including social functions, sponsored by the Foundation. Perhaps a statement should be included in Foundation course or event applications that requires participants to acknowledge that they have read and agree to comply with Foundation's Code of Conduct.
I'm currently in the Philippines, which is approximately 85-90% Christian, and most of that population is one sect, Roman Catholic. As a matter of course, almost all secular, government and organizaional meetings open with an invocation or benediction asking for blessings from God or Jesus for the safety and well-being of the participants and the success of the meeting. The invocation or benediction is always some form of Christian prayer, and does not allow for recognition of other faiths or beliefs or non-belivers. Similar invocations or benedictions may be part of other countries or cultures, not necessarily Christuan ones, where Foundation courses may be held, and may not recognize other beliefs or the absence thereof. In order to comply with the Foundation's Tenets and Code, I believe all such invocations or benedictions should be eliminated from the Foundation's courses and activities in those locations that practice these activities or prayers. They can be deeply offensive to others of differing religions or belief systems.
I realize that this may be beyond our ability to enforce, but, minimally, Officers and Discussants of the Foundation should also attest to not having a history of harassment or any activity covered by the Code, including criminal or civil conviction or termination from previous employment or organizations for activities that violate the Tenets and Code or serious criminal or civil infractions. I don't know how the wording of that should be stated. I would seek the counsel of a lawyer to advise us on appropriate wording.
These suggestions are intended for everyones consideration during this discussion.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Dempsey
On Mon, Mar 16, 2020, 1:10 AM Edwards, John F, <jedwards@cvm.tamu.edu> wrote:
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 _______________________________________________ Directors mailing list -- directors@list.cldavis.org To unsubscribe send an email to directors-leave@list.cldavis.org