Code of Conduct
SSHA was created “to improve the quality of historical explanation in every manner possible, particularly by encouraging the selective use and adaptation in historical teaching and research of relevant theories and methods from related disciplines, especially the social sciences.” In pursuit of this objective, SSHA strives to provide an inclusive and supportive environment in which all participants and staff are treated with respect and dignity.
Members and all participants in SSHA events and publications are expected to be guided by the following principles:
1. Academic discourse should take place in a welcoming and safe environment
1.1. SSHA encourages vigorous debate over ideas in an atmosphere of respectful and constructive criticism.
1.2. Sharing insights across disciplines is the founding principle of SSHA.
1.3. All voices should be heard regardless of rank, status, or viewpoint. Bullying, interrupting, threatening, filibustering, or silencing speakers is inconsistent with the atmosphere of openness and equality that SSHA seeks to create.
1.4. These norms should apply to all interactions, both in-person and virtual, including online communications.
2. Respect for the Autonomy and Dignity of All Persons
2.1. SSHA strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment at its meetings and events that are free from bias and intimidation for all participants.
2.2. All persons involved in SSHA events deserve respect, including staff, contractors, vendors, exhibitors, venue staff, SSHA members, and all other attendees.
2.3. SSHA prohibits any disrespectful verbal or non-verbal conduct that is based on an individual’s sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, employment status, or seniority and that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive environment.
2.4. Harassment, bullying, intimidation, retaliation, defamation, discrimination, and other forms of abuse have no place in SSHA events or correspondence.
2.5. SSHA does not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is an unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which has made a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated.
2.6. Selection procedures for participation in SSHA annual meetings, committees, and offices should be based on the principles of inclusion and nondiscrimination.
2.7. SSHA does not allow audio or video recording of its meetings and functions without the consent of participants.
2.7.1. When the Association records a meeting, the meeting’s convener will publicly announce the purposes and uses of the recording.
2.7.2. If someone wishes to record an SSHA function, such as a session at the annual conference, they should approach the convenor or session chair before the beginning of the meeting and explain the purpose of the recording. The convenor will request permission from the scheduled speakers and make a public announcement at the beginning of the meeting.
3. Accountability
3.1. SSHA takes breaches of professional or ethical behavior and violations of its Code of Conduct very seriously. Anyone observing such behavior should intervene when possible. Violations should be confidentially reported to executivedirector@ssha.org.
3.2. Violations will be forwarded to the Executive Committee and may lead to sanctions including removal from the SSHA conference or event and possible expulsion from the Association. Members of the Executive Committee accused of misconduct will recuse themselves from such meetings.
3.3. Members and conference participants who witness or experience sexual assault or other violations of local, state, and federal law are strongly encouraged to immediately report incidents directly to law enforcement officials.
3.4. The Executive Committee has the authority to deny SSHA offices and assignments to persons who violate this Code, including participation in annual meetings.
3.5. SSHA reserves the right to report misconduct to responsible officers of a person’s academic institution.