SOFT Code of Conduct

The Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) holds professional meetings to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all attendees, including but not limited to members and their guests, speakers, exhibitors, staff and volunteers – the opportunity to benefit from the event, SOFT is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion or other group identity.

SOFT seeks to provide an environment in which diverse participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual respect. To maintain that environment, the following behaviors are prohibited:

• Harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, language, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, appearance, or other group status;
• Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact; and
• Yelling at or threatening speakers (verbally or physically).

As a scientific organization we encourage respectful scientific debate.

All participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all conference venues, including online venues, and conference social events. Participants asked to stop a hostile or harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the meeting and future meetings, or other sanctions. Any person who has experienced a serious verbal threat or any physical assault should contact law enforcement officials immediately.

The following are ways to report harassing behavior:

If you need to report an incident, please contact SOFT's Accountability Officer, Paula Brantner of Accountability Ignited, in one of the following ways: 

SOFT prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or harassment or participates in an investigation of such reports. Retaliation against an individual is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to sanctions.