Soil Ecology Society Community Code of Conduct

Summary Statement
The Soil Ecology Society embraces scientists from all backgrounds who are united in the
common goal of promoting and advancing soil and ecological sciences. Science is best
advanced when there is mutual trust, respect and integrity, and when it is conducted in inclusive
environments free from harassment. We recognize our responsibility as a scientific society to
provide a safe environment for all scholars in the field of soil ecology. We commit to supporting
members from historically marginalized communities with concrete actions. We will all work
together to create an inclusive and diverse society, where all feel supported and valued.

Creating a safe and welcoming society
The Soil Ecology Society strives to create an equitable and inclusive community. We oppose
any discrimination or harassment based on such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship,
language, political or other opinion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age. We
are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for all, where we all work to prevent or
take action against incidents of harassment or discrimination that take place during any Soil
Ecology Society supported event.

The Soil Ecology Society will strive to create an open climate to foster diversity, equity and
inclusion by committing to:
● Celebrate how individual uniqueness as a strengthens our community.
● Respect diverse cultures, different viewpoints, personal boundaries, and privacy.
● Communicating honestly and civilly, and listening with the intention to understand, not
just to respond.
● Cultivating lines of communication at all levels of our society and working to remove
potential barriers to reporting misconduct, especially due to power/rank differentials
● Creating a supportive environment for all individuals in the society, including those who
have experienced instances of discrimination and/or harassment.

Code of Conduct Policies
1. Anti-harassment Policy
All participants in the Soil Ecology Society, engaging in supported activities and with our
social media, will enjoy an environment free from all forms of discrimination, harassment
and retaliation. As a professional society we are committed to an atmosphere that
encourages free expression and exchange of scientific ideas. The Soil Ecology Society
is dedicated to the philosophy of equity of opportunity for all members, regardless of
gender, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or
religious belief, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities, veteran status, or any

other reason. Misconduct through discrimination, harassment or retaliation undermines
the integrity of society activities.
2. Definitions
In general, discrimination, harassment and retaliation are actions that exert unwelcome
pressure or intimidation, including, but not limited to: epithets, slurs or negative
stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; denigrating jokes and displays or
circulation of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion
towards an individual or group, and also subtle implicit biases in language and actions.
The Soil Ecology Society is an international society; we recognize that behavior and
language that are welcome/acceptable to one person may be unwelcome/offensive to
another. Consequently, individuals must use discretion to ensure that their words and
actions communicate respect for others. This is especially important for those in
positions of authority since individuals with lower rank or status may be reluctant to
express their objections or discomfort regarding unwelcome behavior.
3. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Code of Conduct
All Soil Ecology Society members and/or meeting or event attendees will be made aware
of this Code of Conduct and will be required to acknowledge having read and agreed to
the policies described within the Soil Ecology Society Code of Conduct. It is the
responsibility of Soil Ecology Society leadership to broadly advertise this Code of
Conduct and to inform members and SES supported event participants about the Code
of Conduct. Soil Ecology Society leadership will also be responsible for designating and
instructing “ombudspersons” to whom incidents can be reported. The names of these
“responsible individuals” should be made widely known to Soil Ecology Society members
and Soil Ecology Society supported event participants.