Our Innovation Challenge is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, previous event attendance or computing experience (or lack of any of the aforementioned). We do not tolerate harassment of Innovation Challenge participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any Innovation Challenge venue, including hacks, talks, workshops, parties, social media and other online media. Innovation Challenge participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the Innovation Challenge at the discretion of the Innovation Challenge organizers.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, photography or audio/video recording against reasonable consent, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Photography is encouraged, but other participants must be given a reasonable chance to opt out from being photographed. If they object to the taking of their photograph, comply with their request. It is inappropriate to take photographs in contexts where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy (in bathrooms or where participants are sleeping).
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Sponsors and partners are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Sponsor representatives (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/ uniforms/costumes or otherwise, create a sexualized environment. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of Innovation Challenge staff immediately. Innovation Challenge staff will be happy to help participants contact any local security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the Innovation Challenge. We value your attendance. If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the Innovation Challenge organizers may take any action they deem appropriate. This includes warning the offender, expulsion from the Innovation Challenge or reporting their behavior to local law enforcement. We expect participants to follow these rules at Innovation Challenge and workshop venues and Innovation Challenge related social events.