The Online Ethics Center (OEC) aims to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all of our users. We value respect, integrity, and diversity within our community.
By using the OEC website’s features (discussion boards, communities of practice) and participating in OEC events (webinars, workshops, conferences), users agree to uphold basic standards of professionalism and respectful behavior. The OEC does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, or other behavior that discourages users from participating in the site’s community spaces or activities.
Discrimination is inequitable treatment of individuals based on a number of characteristics protected by law, including: age, color, disability, family medical or genetic information, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status (which includes active duty service members, reserve service members, and dependents), national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
Harassment is unwelcome conduct towards an individual based on that individual’s protected characteristics, where conduct is so severe or pervasive that it interferes with the individual’s participation in OEC events or community spaces and creates an environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile, or offensive.
Bullying is unwelcome, aggressive behavior that intentionally causes another person harm or discomfort, including threats, intimidation, or coercion.
The OEC monitors all discussion boards and comments. Posts or comments that violate this policy are subject to removal at the OEC’s discretion.
Remedies
OEC staff regularly monitor discussion boards and comment sections. Posts that are determined to be in violation of the OEC’s policies will be deleted.
Users of the site are encouraged to report abusive behavior to onlineethics@virginia.edu. Reports will be kept confidential.
