Foolscap strives to be a safe and welcoming place where everyone is respected and comfortable and can be themselves. All convention members are expected to treat other members and the general public with respect. For that reason we expect everyone to comply with our Unacceptable Behavior Policy.
Unacceptable Behavior Policy
The following are considered harassment: threats; unwelcome attention; stalking; behavior that creates a disturbance or is dangerous, including lewd or generally offensive behavior or language; using sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct; excessive profanity; use of racial, religious, sexual, gender, ability, ethnic or other slurs.
If a person tells you “no,” your business with them is done. You will be expected to refrain from interacting with or responding to that person.
Remember:
- “No” means no.
- “Stop” means stop.
- “Go away” means go away.
Behavior that Foolscap Staff deem to be disruptive of panels, chats or other event activities is also unacceptable.
We recognize that some panels may involve discussion of sexual or otherwise potentially offensive content. Foolscap’s policy is to obtain advance consent from everyone present before discussing otherwise prohibited topics, and to remember that consent can always be withdrawn by anyone. If you become uncomfortable during a discussion, you have the right to ask that the topic be changed. Because we know it can feel disruptive to ask people to change the topic, we have a no-questions-asked policy — you are never expected to provide a reason why you do not wish to discuss a topic.
Reporting Harassment or Conduct Violations
If you are being harassed or are in any way endangered, we hope you will report it, as we cannot address anything that we are not made aware of. Whatever detail can be provided will help us respond.
If you experience or witness harassment or threatening behavior, or have concerns about anyone's safety, we encourage you to speak up and say something in the #helpdesk channel or via Discord direct message to one of the Foolscap Staff which will be mentioned in that channel’s pinned messages. We will listen to you, believe you and help you understand your options. We want to come together as a community, look out for one another and ensure everyone is treated with respect.
Consequences of Code of Conduct Violation
Foolscap reserves the right to revoke convention membership and access to events. If Foolscap judges an individual to be in violation of the Code of Conduct during an event, they may be barred from the event for a length of time up to and including the remainder of the event. If we are concerned that an individual is breaking the law — city, state or federal — we may involve police.
