Code of Conduct Policy


Mission: Advancing anatomical science through research, education, and professional development

Vision: Inspiring scientific curiosity and discovery.

Values: Community, respect, inclusion, integrity, discovery

The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) is committed to providing a professional, inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment that is free from harassment and discrimination of any kind. AAA seeks to provide a respectful community to allow all participants to take part in advancing anatomical science through research, education, and professional development.

This policy applies to all members, employees, applicants, vendors, contingent workers, and any person professionally affiliated with AAA during association-related activities. All participants in attendance of AAA events agree to comply with this Code of Conduct Policy and in doing so also agree to conduct themselves in a professional manner. These events include, albeit not limited to, conferences, meetings, trainings, and any virtual program. 

Under this policy, harassment includes verbal, written, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual on the basis of any Protected Factors and that: (1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; (2) has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s performance or ability to participate in AAA events; or (3) otherwise affects an individual’s ability to participate in AAA events due to unwelcomed verbal or physical conduct which can adversely affect the environment, or results in a decision adversely affecting the individual based upon the their rejection of such conduct. Thus, all AAA participants are expected to avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic. Promoting or encouraging inappropriate actions and/or statements is also prohibited.

AAA takes all harassment claims very seriously and will not tolerate any violations of this policy. If AAA receives an allegation of harassment, or has reason to believe harassment is occurring, the association will take the necessary steps to ensure that the matter is promptly investigated and addressed. AAA fully supports anyone wishing to address an incident of harassment and reserves the right to take necessary action against a participant who engages in any form of harassment which violates this policy.

Reporting an Incident

If a participant experiences or observes any form of harassment which violates the Code of Conduct Policy, the participant is encouraged to anonymously report their experience or observation via the third party (independent) online reporting portal. 

Or you can submit a report via phone or email.  

  • Anonymous Reporting App: Keyword: anatomy 
  • Toll-Free Telephone: 
    •  English speaking USA and Canada: 833-210-1885 
    •  Spanish speaking USA and Canada: 800-216-1288 
    •  Spanish speaking Mexico: 01-800-681-5340 
    •  French speaking Canada: 855-725-0002 
    • Contact us if you need a toll-free # for North American callers speaking languages other than English, Spanish or French 
  • E-mail: [email protected] (must include company name with report) 


Report an Incident »

All reports will be investigated and handled confidentially to the extent possible. The allegation will be received by the Ethics Committee for review, who will determine which actions, if any, are necessary, such as, albeit not limited to:

  • Private reprimand
  • Expulsion from events without warning or refund
  • Implementation of conditions upon attendance at future events
  • Removal of the individual as an officer, director, or Fellow
  • Restriction from attendance at future events
  • Revocation of membership


If it is determined that action is needed, the Ethics Committee will present their recommendation to the Board of Directors who will review the recommendation. Following a thorough review, the Board of Directors will determine which sanctions, if any, are warranted. This decision will be communicated to the Ethics Committee and the relevant sanction(s) will be implemented.

A participant who has made a false claim or accusation will be considered to have violated this Code of Conduct Policy and may be subject to disciplinary action(s).

Retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or for participating in an investigation of a claim of harassment is strictly prohibited and violators may be subject to discipline. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly addressed.