KAS Code of Ethics

Kentucky Academy of Science Code of Ethics
Adopted 11/6/2020
 
The Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) has adopted a Code of Ethics to foster a culture of integrity, inclusivity, and collegiately. KAS strives for inclusive excellence, values diversity, and promotes respect for human differences. KAS is committed to fostering an environment that encourages the open exchange of scientific ideas, promotes equitable opportunities and treatment for all participants, and creates a learning environment that is fair, safe, and free from prejudice. People of all races, genders, gender identities, ethnicities, religions, spiritual beliefs, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, nationalities, regions and socioeconomic background are respected and valued by KAS and its members.
 
This code is designed to guide individuals by including minimum standards of ethical professional behavior. This document does not outline every potential circumstance; members of KAS are expected to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the Code of Ethics. State and/or federal law supersedes this policy as applicable.
 
This Code of Ethics applies to all KAS members as a condition of membership with KAS. It applies to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers at any KAS-sponsored meeting, event, and workshop.
 
KAS does not tolerate any form of bullying, discrimination, or harassment based on academic/professional discipline, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, creed, religion, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, education, class, political affiliation, or parental status.
 
Members of the Kentucky Academy of Science should:
Present work and reports without falsification or fabrication of data, misleading statements, or omission of relevant facts.
Never make false, biased, or unwarranted claims about another scientist, student, or professional colleague with the intent or effect of injuring the individual’s reputation or professional opportunities.
Cite authorship, never plagiarize, and acknowledge the contributions of others.
Promote a culture of inclusivity, equity, safety, and respect where all members have an opportunity to participate and contribute and never belittle or undermine an individual’s scientific activity and career.
Ensure no members are excluded or isolated by withholding information or preventing access to opportunities, such as training, grants and fellowships, and meeting attendance.
In moderating sessions at meetings, reinforce the values in this Code of Ethics, including ensuring inclusive and respectful discussions.
Avoid the use of comments or gestures such as yelling, name-calling, epithets, slurs, teasing, shaming, and stereotyping. KAS will have the right to intervene if discussions between participants in KAS activities begin to appear hostile or aggressive.
Never unnecessarily disrupt or heckle professional talks and poster conversations.
Never engage in unwanted sexual advance or propositions, including requests for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats, touching, pinching, patting, grabbing, brushing against, or poking another person’s body.
Not distribute, display, or discuss inappropriate written or graphic material or material that denigrates, insults, or shows hostility or disrespect toward an individual or group.
Follow all venue rules at meetings and events.
Alert a KAS Board member of any dangerous situations or anyone in distress.
If it is safe for you to do so, speak up when you see a possible violation of the Code of Ethics or related policies. If it is not possible for you to speak up in that moment, or you do not feel comfortable doing so, report your concerns to the Executive Director of KAS.
 
If you would like to report an alleged violation of this Code of Ethics, submit an official complaint to the Executive Director of KAS at executivedirector@kyscience.org. Should the violation involve the Executive Director, a member of the governing board should be contacted. When criminal acts are committed, one should contact the nearest governmentally sanctioned peace/police officer first and only after the fact consider bringing up charges against a perpetrator through the KAS ethics policy.
 
Once a complaint is received, both the accuser and accused will be given an opportunity to address the Executive Director about the reported violation. The Executive Director will report all information to KAS Board Members for discussion. Board Members may also request direct communication with any party involved. After review of all presented materials, the Board will discuss and vote on a resolution. Penalty for failing to adhere to the KAS Code of Ethics will vary based upon the severity of the violation, including up to permanent removal of membership in KAS or banning participation in any KAS events, grant competitions, or publications. As representatives of the commonwealth’s scientific community, a rehabilitative approach to conflict resolution may also be pursued, including the possibility of appeal for re-admission into the membership body of KAS on the grounds of demonstrated moral progress, such as an extensive essay (e.g., 15,000 words) on the ethical violation or an interview-style hearing.
 
All complaints must be made in “good faith,” meaning that you must have a reasonable factual basis for the allegations in the complaint. KAS will not tolerate complaints that are made in bad faith. KAS prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith complaint alleging a violation of the Code of Ethics. This means KAS will not tolerate intimidation, threats, or other adverse action against someone for making a good-faith complaint.