AAA Code of Conduct | American Accounting Association

The American Accounting Association (AAA) Event Code of Professional Conduct requires that all participants at AAA functions and engaging in any AAA business conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or intimidation. Participants are required to treat each other with respect and consideration to create and ensure a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment at all AAA functions.

All participants engaged in AAA activities shall comply with this Code. “All participants” includes, but is not limited to members, attendees, guests, AAA staff, speakers, contractors, and exhibitors. This Code of Conduct applies to all AAA activities, including the AAA Annual meeting, Segment meetings, other AAA meetings, committee meetings, Board and Council meetings and all calls, emails, virtual conferences, sessions, tours, receptions, and any other events or communication supported by, or done in accordance with, any AAA activity. Creating a supportive environment to enable professional exchange of ideas and development within AAA is of utmost importance and the responsibility of everyone attending.

Participants are expected to avoid any hostile, critical, judgmental, mocking, or similarly inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, body size, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic protected by law. Intimidating or bullying behavior is also prohibited. This can include verbal abuse, threats, yelling, shoving, poking, name-calling, profanity, and humiliation.

Sexual harassment of any kind also will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, suggestive, inappropriate, or intimidating behavior and language; unwelcome jokes or comments; unwanted touching or attention; stalking; harassing photography or recording; offensive or sexually oriented images; and aggressive physical behavior. Promoting or encouraging any of the above behavior is likewise prohibited.

If a participant experiences or observes inappropriate comments or actions in violation of this Code of Conduct policy, it should be reported. During an event or other activity at which the alleged violation occurred, a report may be made to a senior staff member or to an Officer or Director of AAA in attendance. Otherwise a report should be made to the AAA Hotline — by telephone: see below; online: https://www.lighthouse-services.com/aaahq; by e mail: reports@lighthouse-services.com; or by fax: 215-6893885 (must include “AAA” with the report). Reporting may be made anonymously. When necessary, AAA will engage a third-party company to investigate the facts and circumstances reported.

AAA will keep reports of violations of the Code, as well as investigations, confidential to the extent feasible. Due process will be provided to the accused. If the investigation concludes that the Code of Conduct was violated, sanctions may range from verbal warning, ejection from a meeting without refund, notifying appropriate authorities, up to and banning from meetings for a period of time or revoking membership. If a report is received during an event or other activity at which the violation is alleged to have occurred, AAA may, prior to completion of an investigation, require the accused person to leave the event or activity. Retaliation for complaints of inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated and are subject to the same sanctions.

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