The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) is committed to providing a discrimination-, harassment-, and retaliation-free environment for all participants in society events. SBM prohibits discrimination or harassment based on actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, body size, disability, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, religion (or lack thereof), marital or parental status, or any other status protected by law (“protected status”). SBM has zero tolerance for any form of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation at society meetings and events.
This policy applies to all SBM events, including those sponsored by other organizations held in conjunction with an SBM event. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff (including venue staff), contractors, vendors and other service providers, and anyone else present at SBM meetings or events, are expected to abide by this policy.
Unacceptable Behavior
Discrimination consists of material, adverse treatment based on a person’s protected status. Conduct can amount to prohibited discrimination even when a person does not specifically intend to harm someone else.
Harassment consists of unwelcome conduct of a demeaning, abusive, and/or offensive nature that either (1) constitutes a term or condition of a person’s participation in society events (quid pro quo harassment); or (2) substantially interferes with a person’s participation in society events or otherwise creates what a reasonable person would consider to be a hostile environment. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, physical or verbal abuse of any participant, stalking or threatening any participant, harassing photography or recording of any participant, the use of slurs and epithets, display of disparaging material, display of sexual imagery, inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact, and nonconsensual sexual advances.
Retaliation consists of material, adverse action taken against someone because the person reported discrimination or harassment (either on behalf of themselves or another) or because the person participated in the investigation and resolution of a report. Retaliation can occur even if the underlying report of discrimination or harassment is unsubstantiated.
Participants who are asked to stop discriminatory or harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Upon receipt of a report of prohibited conduct, SBM retains the right to take any steps deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the event without warning or refund, to end the conduct and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for participants. Further, SBM reserves the right to prohibit anyone who violates this policy from attending any future SBM meeting or event. Misconduct can also result in the revocation of SBM membership, including fellow status.
Reporting Unacceptable Behavior
Any person subjected or witness to discrimination or harassment is encouraged to report such conduct to SBM management at the on-site registration desk as soon as possible and may be asked to file a written report. SBM staff are available for private consultation with any meeting or event participant or attendee who believes they have experienced any form of harassment while at any SBM meeting or event. Reports should include identification of the offender (or description); behaviors or actions by that person; circumstances around the incident; day, time, and session; and others present. All written reports will be kept confidential.
Upon receipt of a report, SBM will review the available information, which may include speaking with the persons involved, and determine whether a policy violation has occurred. To the extent any person experiences or witnesses conduct that is criminal in nature, SBM strongly encourages the person to also make a report to law enforcement.
Unacceptable behaviors not reported during the meeting or event may be reported to SBM staff after the conference by contacting Executive Director Lindsay Bullock (lbullock@sbm.org). All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.
A participant or attendee who believes he or she was falsely or unfairly accused of violating this policy should notify SBM Executive Director Lindsay Bullock (lbullock@sbm.org).
In addition to contacting SBM, individuals who have questions, concerns, or complaints related to harassment are also encouraged to contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR). Information about how to file a complaint with HHS OCR is available at https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html. Filing a complaint with SBM is not required before filing a complaint of discrimination with HHS OCR, and seeking assistance from SBM in no way prohibits filing complaints with HHS OCR. Individuals can also notify the National Institutes of Health (NIH) about concerns of harassment, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and other forms of inappropriate conduct at NIH-supported conferences; visit https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/harassment/find-help.htm for more information.