CELLS CODE OF CONDUCT

The CELLS Code of Conduct ensures that CELLS remains a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of background or identity. By attending CELLS, you agree to uphold our values and maintain a space that is respectful, collaborative, and open to diverse viewpoints.

Respectful Communication and Conduct

Disagreements are natural, but always approach them with respect. If you encounter differing opinions, ask clarifying questions to fully understand the other person's perspective before presenting your own. Remember that English may not be everyone's first language, and miscommunications can happen. However, intentionally instigating conflict or harassment will not be tolerated and could result in removal or a ban from CELLS.

Good Faith and Adherence to the Code

We expect you to act in good faith and adhere to the spirit of this Code of Conduct. Rules lawyering is discouraged. If you have any concerns or need to report a Code of Conduct violation, contact the CELLS Board, Volunteers on Lab duty, or FITCI front desk staff.

Specific Guidelines

  • No Publicity Stunts: While sharing your work is encouraged, CELLS is not a platform for attention-seeking behavior.

  • No Harassment: Harassment in any form is strictly prohibited. See the detailed definition below.

  • Safety Protocols: All projects and activities must follow CELLS Safety Group protocols.

  • Reagent and Lab Support: Inform CELLS in advance of any reagents entering the lab and the type of lab support needed.

  • Biosafety Level 1: Adhere to Biosafety Level 1 guidelines unless otherwise specified.

  • Genetically Modified Materials: These materials must remain in the lab where they were developed.

  • No Human Sampling or Injecting: These activities are not permitted.

    1. Exception: Buccal/saliva Samples for educational purposes that are not permitted to incubate/culture the cells. Buccal/saliva samples have to be processed and analyzed promptly after being collected or brought to the lab.

Harassment

Harassment includes but is not limited to:

  • Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.

  • Unwelcome comments about lifestyle choices, including food, health, parenting, drugs, and employment.

  • Deliberate misgendering or use of "dead" or rejected names.

  • Inappropriate sexual images or behavior.

  • Unwanted physical or simulated physical contact.

  • Threats or incitement of violence, including encouraging suicide or self-harm.

  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.

  • Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity.

  • Sustained disruption of discussions.

  • Unwelcome sexual attention or inappropriate social contact.

  • Continued communication after requests to stop.

  • Deliberate "outing" without consent, except to protect others from abuse.

  • Publication of non-harassing private communication.