Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation expects all Participants to work proactively to promote good conduct in Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation activities, prevent violations of the Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation’s Code of Conduct and to work collaboratively to resolve violations if they occur. If an individual's behavior interferes with the orderly and efficient operation of an event contrary to the stated Code of Conduct, corrective disciplinary measures may be taken, up to and including exclusion from current and/or future events.

 

Rules outlining acceptable conduct of Participants are necessary for the orderly operation of any event or activity and for the benefit and protection of the rights and safety of all Participants. Examples of impermissible conduct are identified in the Code to promote understanding of what is considered unacceptable conduct. It would be impossible to provide an exhaustive list of every type of conduct that may be considered inappropriate and could result in disciplinary action.

 

 

Any Participant at Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation activities who is asked to stop behavior that violates the Code of Conduct or is otherwise offensive to another is expected to comply immediately and without retaliation. Any behavior in breach of the Code that cannot be resolved immediately or satisfactorily, or that may inform or impact the safety, security or opportunities of others, should be reported in accordance with the procedures described herein. Note that one occurrence is sufficient to make a report of inappropriate behavior to the Hotline Relations Counselors.

 

Sponsors are equally subject to this Code of Conduct and must ensure that all individuals representing them also adhere to the Code of Conduct, including and especially at special events that might be of a more social nature.

 

Organizers and Volunteers are to promptly inform the Hotline Relations Counselors of any incident or situation that comes to their attention during the course of any Conference, event, workshop, or sponsored activity. At all times they are to maintain the overall purpose of the Conference and to ensure the safety and security of all Participants.

 

Hotline Relations Counselors are Human Resources experienced professionals trained in the field of harassment, people relations, and investigations. They are available to respond to and advise/counsel any Participant who comes forward with an issue or complaint and to effectively examine the matter(s) before them. They will make inquiries to determine the facts from all sides, make recommendations of appropriate action(s) to be taken based on such findings, then bring to resolution.

 

 

Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation will seek outcomes that will address any such violations to the Code and that are in legal compliance with the laws and regulations governing the business conduct of this entity. The timing, scope, and actions to be taken for each complaint/issue will be determined on a case-by-case basis; however, all reasonable attempts will be made to conduct investigations as quickly as possible based on the scope of each matter.

 

 

While a Participant may find it difficult to report offending conduct, Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation encourages them to reach out to the Hotline Relations Counselors who are trained to handle these types of sensitive matters. Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation Board, Foundation staff, and Organizing Committee commit to supporting anyone who raises a concern of any kind. Steps were taken to ensure that qualified Counselors are available to guide and advise anyone bringing a matter to Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation’s attention. The Hotline Relations Counselors are committed to being fair and considerate, and to act in accordance with these Procedures, with respect to any accused party and all other persons involved in a report or incident. Thorough investigations will be conducted as appropriate.

 

Minor concerns can often be resolved by discussion among the involved participants. If an affected Participant is not able or does not feel empowered to have such a discussion on their own, they are encouraged to seek help from the Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation’s Hotline Relations Counselors as described in more detail herein.

 

While reporting should be done as soon as possible, the fact that there has been a delay will not be used as a reason not to take action or report an incident, whether involved or witnessed.

 

Because violations of the Code of Conduct affect the organization and all of its community members, a situation review may be conducted without consent or participation of the reporting or accusing party.

 

If a Participant has any concerns related to their participation/interaction at the Conference or Conference sanctioned events, or observe someone else's difficulties, or have any other concerns they wish to share, they are encouraged to reach out to any Hotline Relations Counselors on site at an event, or use the Neural Information Processing Systems Hotline Email at NeurIPShotline@gmail.com, or they may call the NeurIPS Hotline phone number at 858-208-3810. They may also use the NeurIPS Contact Form found on the NeurIPS website. Complaints and violations will be researched and investigated as appropriate. Reports made during the Conference will be responded to within 24 hours; those at other times in less than two weeks. Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation is prepared and eager to help Participants contact relevant help services, to escort them to a safe location, or to otherwise assist those experiencing harassment of any sort to feel safe for the duration of the Conference. We gratefully accept feedback from the Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation community on policy and actions.

 

 

Actions against a Participant who has violated the Code will be taken based on the nature and severity of the offense(s) and after a review of all relevant information. Actions may include, but are not restricted to, any combination of the following:

 

Any action may be offered as voluntary or imposed as mandatory for a specified or unspecified period of time subject to periodic review and achievement of action items; or permanently. If action is taken, an appeals process will be made available through the Ethics & Grievance Committee once submitted in writing by the individual. Requests for appeal should be emailed to hotline@neurips.cc.

 

 

The Ethics and Grievance Committee will conduct an annual review of the Code of Conduct and corresponding Procedures to determine if they continue to meet the needs of the Conference and its Participants. The Hotline Relations Counselors will also provide feedback and recommendations to this process based on case files. All Participants are invited to submit recommendations for future revisions to these processes at any time. Recommended changes by the Committee will be presented to the Board of Directors for final ratification. Any such changes will then be passed to the Hotline Relations Counselors for implementation with any future such report filings.