ICAZ Code of Professional Conduct
All of us have looked on, from near or far, at various upsetting happenings within organizations and at conferences around the world with a sense of despair, anger or frustration. Places that should be a venue for the sharing of ideas, the building of collaborations and the nurturing of talent have been blighted by harassment, marginalization and unprofessional conduct. ICAZ has always endeavoured to be a supportive, inclusive and welcoming organization but, given the systemic failings witnessed elsewhere, the ICAZ EC and IC have increasingly felt that the expectations around professional conduct need to be formalized. We envisage the following first version of a Code of Professional Conduct as a shared statement summarizing expectations that can be adopted across ICAZ and ICAZ Working Group conferences and meetings:
The International Council for Archaeozoology (ICAZ) strives to create a positive, collaborative and supportive environment for all zooarchaeologists in which they can develop and thrive. As an international organization, we value diversity and acknowledge the benefit that a range of backgrounds, knowledge and experiences can bring to scholarship. To harness this diversity for the benefit of all members, and to provide a welcoming environment for all, we are dedicated to providing a harassment-free community and require that all members treat each other professionally and respectfully in all forms of communication [this includes, but is not limited to, professional conferences and workshops (face-to-face and virtual), networking, fieldwork, laboratory work, advising, emailing, texting and social media engagements]. The ethical treatment of colleagues, collaborators and communities is a central pillar of ICAZ and all members are expected to uphold the values of the organization.
First posted: June 2021. Last updated: June 2021
Any thoughts, ideas or feedback can be passed on to Kat Szabó (kat.szabo1 AT gmail.com).
