Code of Conduct

The International Pediatric Stroke Organization (IPSO) is a non-profit organization of professionals dedicated to pediatric stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Experts across related fields will collaborate to advance knowledge on mechanisms and treatment of childhood stroke and stroke recovery with an eye towards preventing stroke and improving outcomes. Our Code of Conduct below reflects IPSO’s values and expectations for all officers and leadership positions including Board Members, Steering Committee, Committee Chairs, IPSO members, meeting attendees and/or guests. Our success requires a community where all are free to exchange ideas in a safe, inclusive and respectful environment without harassment or other forms of unprofessionalism. We expect that members of the IPSO community will work to uphold these values in addition to professional standards set by their home institutions and/or employers, professional bodies (e.g., medical boards), and all applicable laws in host countries.

IPSO is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees, their guests, and staff at all official IPSO events regardless of sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal or pertinent state/provincial laws. Attendees (and guests) at our meetings should treat each other with respect. Discussions should be respectful, civil, professional, constructive, allow for disagreement, and be regarded as opportunities to learn from each other.

IPSO expects the following of members and other participants in IPSO activities.  Always conduct yourself professionally. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Harassment and exclusionary behavior are not acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Threats of violence.
• Discriminatory jokes and language.
• Sharing sexually explicit or violent material via electronic devices or social media accounts.
• Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms.
• Unwelcome sexual attention.
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
• Use of inappropriate or offensive language on social media accounts and/or other public venues.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior: IPSO’s Executive Committee will determine the appropriate course of action in the case of a reported violation of this code of conduct. Possible actions include warning the offender, expulsion from the meeting/conference/ any IPSO sponsored activity with no refund, and/or banning the offender from future IPSO events and activities. IPSO also reserves the right to notify an employer or home institution of any serious misconduct involving one of its employees, trainees, students or members and will cooperate with any external investigation into such cases of misconduct. Local authorities will be notified in the case of potentially illegal activities.