Anspar Foundation Code of Conduct
Our Commitment
The Anspar Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and harassment-free environment for everyone who participates in our work, whether as staff, volunteers, board members, partners, beneficiaries, or community members. We value the participation of every member of our community and want all participants to have an enriching and fulfilling experience.
Diversity and Inclusion
We explicitly welcome and encourage participation from people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all, and we expect all members of our community to show respect and courtesy to others at all times. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, and we are particularly committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination and harassment for individuals from historically marginalized communities.
This Code of Conduct applies to all Anspar Foundation spaces, both online and offline, including but not limited to:
- Foundation offices and facilities
- Clinical research sites and trials
- Virtual meetings and digital communications
- Foundation-sponsored events and conferences
- Social media channels and online forums
- Email, Slack, and other communication platforms
- Interactions with partners, donors, and beneficiaries
Expected Behavior
All participants in the Anspar Foundation community are expected to:
Be Respectful and Professional
- Use welcoming and inclusive language
- Respect differing viewpoints and experiences
- Accept constructive criticism gracefully
- Focus on what is best for the community and our mission
- Show empathy and kindness towards other community members
- Maintain professional boundaries in all interactions
- Actively include people who are different from you
- Be mindful of how much space you're taking up in discussions
- Step back to allow others to contribute, especially those whose voices are often marginalized
Prioritize Safety and Compliance
- Follow all applicable healthcare regulations and privacy laws (HIPAA, FDA guidelines, etc.)
- Maintain strict confidentiality of patient and participant information
- Report safety concerns immediately through proper channels
- Adhere to clinical trial protocols and ethical guidelines
- Respect informed consent processes and participant autonomy
Foster Collaboration
- Share knowledge and resources generously
- Credit others for their contributions and ideas
- Collaborate openly while respecting intellectual property
- Support colleagues and community members in their growth
- Communicate transparently and honestly
Uphold Our Mission
- Act with integrity in all foundation-related activities
- Make decisions that advance our healthcare and research goals
- Use foundation resources responsibly and ethically
- Represent the foundation professionally in all contexts
Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are considered violations of this Code of Conduct:
Harassment and Discrimination
- Discriminatory language or actions based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition, or any other protected characteristic
- Microaggressions, which are brief and commonplace verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative attitudes toward marginalized groups
- Sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual attention, inappropriate physical contact, or sexual imagery in professional spaces
- Threats of violence or intimidation
- Deliberate misgendering or use of rejected names ("deadnaming")
- Stalking or following, online or in person
- Sustained disruption of talks, meetings, or other events
- Tone policing or dismissing the concerns of marginalized people
Professional Misconduct
- Breach of patient or research participant confidentiality
- Falsification of research data or clinical trial results
- Misuse of foundation resources or funds
- Conflicts of interest that are not properly disclosed
- Violation of regulatory requirements or ethical guidelines
- Sharing of proprietary or confidential information without authorization
Community Harm
- Publishing others' private information without permission
- Insults, personal attacks, or derogatory comments
- Trolling, inflammatory comments, or bad faith arguments
- Advocating for or encouraging any harmful behavior
- Other conduct that could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting
Reporting and Enforcement
How to Report
If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately through one of these channels:
- Email: conduct@anspar.org
- Anonymous Hotline: [Phone number]
- Online Form: [Link to secure reporting form]
- Direct Report: Contact any member of the leadership team or board
All reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality to the extent possible. We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports a violation in good faith.
Investigation Process
- Initial Review: Reports will be reviewed within 48 hours by the designated response team
- Investigation: The team will gather information, interview involved parties, and document findings
- Decision: Based on the investigation, appropriate action will be determined
- Communication: All parties will be informed of the outcome as appropriate
- Appeals: A formal appeals process is available for contested decisions
Consequences
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in consequences including but not limited to:
- Warning: A private, written warning providing clarity around the violation
- Education: Required participation in training or education programs
- Temporary Suspension: Temporary removal from foundation activities or spaces
- Permanent Ban: Permanent removal from all foundation activities and spaces
- Legal Action: In cases of illegal behavior, referral to appropriate authorities
- Public Statement: When necessary to protect the community, public disclosure of actions taken
Accommodations and Accessibility
The Anspar Foundation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure everyone can participate fully in our community. We recognize that true inclusion requires proactive efforts to remove barriers and create equitable access for all participants, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.
If you need specific accommodations to engage with our work or to report violations of this Code of Conduct, please contact us at conduct@anspar.org. This may include but is not limited to:
- Physical accessibility needs
- Communication and language support
- Technology access accommodations
- Flexible scheduling for different time zones or care responsibilities
- Alternative formats for materials and documentation
Acknowledgments and Attribution
This Code of Conduct is based on Vox Media's excellent Code of Conduct, which is licensed under CC BY. We are deeply grateful to Vox Media for creating and sharing this resource with the community.
We have adapted their framework to address the specific needs of a healthcare and clinical research nonprofit organization, while maintaining their commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for all participants.
Additional inspiration and guidance came from:
License
Following Vox Media's example, this Code of Conduct is released under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license.
Questions and Feedback
This is a living document that we will continue to refine and improve. We welcome your feedback and suggestions at conduct@anspar.org.
For questions about this Code of Conduct or its application, please contact: