Each individual associated with GEL including Board members, GEL members, and any person associated with GEL activities or functions (e.g speakers or attendees) have the right to enjoy a cordial, pleasant and peaceful atmosphere free from bias, prejudice and harassment.

The GEL Board has developed this Code of Conduct to ensure that everyone associated with GEL can enjoy their participation free from any harassment or bullying through words or graphic material (verbal or written) or conduct that is abusive, intimidating, hostile, offensive. or egregiously disrespectful. In addition, this Code of Conduct prohibits exclusion or discrimination of any kind, including for reasons of someone’s race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, or political leanings or affiliation.

Harassing or discriminatory conduct includes epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, threatening, intimidating or hostile acts, denigrating jokes or the like whether written or verbal.

Members who believe they have been victims of conduct prohibited by this Code of Conduct or believe they have witnessed such conduct occurring at or related to GEL activities or functions should report their concerns to any GEL officer or Board member.

The GEL Board encourages the prompt reporting of complaints or concerns addressed in this Code of Conduct. The GEL Board will investigate and determine, in its sole discretion, whether a violation of this Code of Conduct has occurred. In the event the GEL Board determines a violation has occurred, the GEL Board, in its sole discretion, may take any of the following actions: (1) communication of a simple warning, (2) prohibition of an individual(s) participation in one or more GEL functions or activities or (3) permanent expulsion from membership in GEL.