Code of Conduct And Ethics
Introduction
Code of Conduct
Professional Environment
AAA seeks to provide a respectful community that allows all participants to advance anatomical science through research, education, and professional development. This policy applies to all association-related activities, including but not limited to conferences, meetings, training, and virtual programs. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Harassment and Discrimination
Harassment includes verbal, written, online or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual based on any characteristic including, but not limited to, age, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability, status or educational background. Discrimination is the differential treatment of a person, or a group based on any of the above characteristics. Such conduct is prohibited if it:
1. Creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
2. Interferes with an individual's performance or ability to participate in AAA events.
3. Adversely affects an individual's ability to participate in AAA events due to unwelcome verbal, online or physical conduct.
Code of Ethics
Ethical Standards
All members of AAA are required to exercise the highest ethical standards of conduct and practice honesty at all times. The following principles guide our ethical conduct:
1. Integrity and Honesty: Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude to inspire confidence and trust.
2. Respect and Responsiveness: Serve with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness in carrying out the organization's mission.
3. Positive Leadership: Conduct organizational and operational duties with open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion.
4. Professional Excellence: Strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional development of others, including staying up-to-date on emerging issues and conduct ourselves with professional competence, fairness, impartiality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
5. Board Responsibilities: Respect the structure and responsibilities of the Board, provide them with facts and advice for policy decisions, and uphold and implement Board policies.
6. Service to Constituency: Recognize that the chief function of AAA is to serve the best interests of our membership.
7. Community Engagement: Keep the scientific community, both within the AAA and the broader community, informed about issues affecting it.
8. Conflict of Interest: Avoid any interest or activity that conflicts with our official duties.
9. Discretionary Authority: Exercise discretionary authority under the law to carry out the mission of the organization.
10. Protection of Information: Respect and protect privileged information accessed during official duties.
Reporting Incidents and Ethical Infractions
If a participant experiences or observes any form of harassment or discrimination, they are encouraged to anonymously report their experience via the third-party (independent) online reporting portal. Infractions of the Code of Ethics should also be reported via the third-party (independent) online reporting portal.
Addressing Incidents and Infractions
All reports will be investigated and handled confidentially to the extent possible. The Ethics Committee will review the allegations and determine necessary actions, which may include:
- 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 for a set period, or permanently; and AAA awards and honors
The Board of Directors will review the Ethics Committee's recommendations and determine the appropriate sanctions. Retaliation against individuals for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will be promptly addressed following established Ethics Committee procedures. This is a way to process a claim in the system that protects all parties involved.
Reporting an Incident
If a participant experiences or observes any form of harassment which violates the Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy, the participant is encouraged to anonymously report their experience or observation via the third party (independent) online reporting portal.
The online reporting portal is NOT a 911 or Emergency Service: Do not use this site to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. Reports submitted through this service may not receive an immediate response. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities.
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 »