Code of Conduct

American Society for Ethnohistory
Code of Conduct and Values

In line with the American Society for Ethnohistory’s (ASE) mission statement, we value the equitable and free expression of intellectual and professional ideas within an environment that is safe and inclusive. While the ASE represents many disciplines, we are following the American Historical Association’s (AHA) 2023 Statement on Standards of Professional Conduct that states that “any person deserves the professional respect and support necessary for professional growth and advancement. Such respect precludes unequal treatment based on nonprofessional criteria. In particular, it precludes any harassment or discrimination, which is unethical, unprofessional, and threatening to intellectual freedom.”

Given our organization’s origins and its continued commitment to centering the experiences of Indigenous peoples in our research, writing, and collaborations, we affirm the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and communities to determine who they are. As a scholarly community aware of the harm carried out by institutions in the past and continuing today, we call upon members to speak truthfully about their own positionality in relationship to Indigenous communities and interrogate their own claims to Indigeneity, especially when it is being used as a professional qualification in an academic setting, since it suggests a formal recognition of belonging by and accountability to a community.

Code of Conduct

ASE Members must adhere to the following Code of Conduct during all communication, work, and activities related to the ASE and its annual meeting.

All ASE Members Shall:

  1. Treat each other as equal in dignity and rights and should behave towards each other in the spirit of fellowship.
  2. Take judicious reflection on images, language, and descriptions used in presentations and panels, ensuring to not perpetuate or cause colonial violence, misogyny, racism, or other forms of harm.
  3. Be encouraged to be diplomatically proactive and helpful if they witness potential harm to other participants, mitigate or avoid potential harm to other participants.
  4. Be expected to alert staff, security personnel, or law enforcement if they see a situation in which someone might be in imminent physical danger.
  5. Ask for permission before capturing any photographs, audio, or video recordings.

ASE member shall not engage in:

  1. Persistent and unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy.
  2. Real or implied threats of physical, emotional, professional or other forms of harm. This includes intimidation, stalking, or following.
  3. Physical assault or battery (including unwelcome touching or groping).
  4. Commenting about others’ clothing, physique, or appearance.
  5. Intimidating, harassing, abusive, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in an officially sanctioned ASE activity.
  6. Prejudicial actions or comments related to actual or perceived sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, ability, professional rank, socioeconomic status, age, or religion that coerce others, foment broad hostility, or otherwise undermine professional equity or the principles of free academic exchange.
    1. Harassment might also include unprofessional and unethical behaviors, such as intentionally misgendering someone, refusing to use a person’s preferred pronouns, or making inappropriate remarks about a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation, ethnic or religious affiliation, or professional status.
  7. Disruptive behavior during presentations or other events; including yelling at or threatening speakers (verbally or physically).

Methods of Reporting

ASE members who have concerns about any violation of the code of conduct can seek help from the safety and guidance team composed of trained ASE members.

This Code of Conduct was created with consultation of the following resources: