Code of Conduct

The organizers of the Philadelphia Social Justice Hackathon are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space. We believe that every single person has the right to hack in a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters open dialogue and the free expression of ideas, free of harassment, discrimination, and hostile conduct. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and maintain that environment for the benefit of all. 

Our Code of Conduct was created to provide participants with guidelines for behavior within our event. All participants are expected to abide by this code while attending or participating in any part of the event - including social events before or after an event session or anywhere on premises during the event itself. This code applies equally to all members of the community including attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers, without regard to age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, mental or physical disability, physical appearance, neuro(a)typicality, religion, level of knowledge, level of experience, parental status, marital status, socioeconomic status or background, political affiliation, or any other attribute. 

Please treat all other hackers with the utmost respect. We ask that you act kindly, behave professionally, and do not insult or put down other attendees.  Remember that harassment and racist, sexist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate for this event. If at any point you see a fellow hacker being harassed, please talk to the nearest hackathon organizer.

Respect the Opinions and Abilities of Others. Hackathon is designed as a place for people of all different skill levels and approaches to meet and work together toward common goals. As a result, we do not expect that everybody will share the same opinion. However, we do expect that disagreement is done respectfully. Additionally, we expect that members will educate others respectfully. To this end, do not assume anybody else’s level of expertise or knowledge. Do not depreciate a lack of information or insist on unnecessary precision. 

We Prioritize marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort. The organizing team will not act on complaints regarding

• ‘Reverse’ -isms, including ‘reverse racism,’ ‘reverse sexism,’ and ‘cisphobia’.

• Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you.”

• Communicating in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial.

• Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions.

Do Not Harass. Harassment is any unwelcome or hostile behavior towards another person for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal comments related to personal characteristics or choices, sexual images or comments, deliberate intimidation, bullying, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of discussion or events, nonconsensual publication of private comments, inappropriate physical contact, or unwelcome sexual attention. Conduct need not be intentional to be harassment.