Code of Conduct

Educating Leaders 2024 Code of Conduct

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is committed to creating and maintaining an engaging and productive conference, meeting and event environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The facilities covered by this Code of Conduct include any venue, hotel or meeting room where AACOM’s Educating Leaders event takes place, as well as at off-site locations where event-related social gatherings take place. 

Press/Media Waiver 

AACOM intends to take photographs and video of this event for use in AACOM news and promotional material, in print, electronic and other media, including the AACOM website. By attending this event, you grant AACOM the right to use any image, photograph, voice or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media become the property of AACOM. Media may be displayed, distributed or used by AACOM for any purpose. 

Privacy Policy 

Your data privacy and security are important to us. When you register for this event, AACOM will process your data in accordance with our legitimate interests for hosting an industry event and for being a community-based organization. Please review our privacy policy. 

Code of Conduct Policy 

AACOM holds professional conferences and meetings to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks and discover new products and services for professional use. To provide all participants – members and other attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, staff and volunteers – the opportunity to benefit from the event, AACOM is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion or other group identity.

As an association, AACOM is strongly committed to diversity, equity and the free expression of ideas. Taken cumulatively, the values and beliefs delineated within AACOM’s code of conduct describe behavior based on a firm belief in the value of civil discourse and the free exploration of competing ideas and concepts – with a fundamental respect for the rights, dignity and value of all persons.

AACOM seeks to provide a professional, courteous and safe conference environment in which participants may learn, network and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual human respect. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and hold that environment for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are, therefore, specifically prohibited:

Harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, appearance or other group status.

Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking or unsolicited physical contact.

Yelling at or threatening members and other attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, staff or volunteers (verbally or physically).

If you believe you have been harassed or that a harassment problem exists, please report said activity to the staff at the conference registration desk. All such reports will be directed immediately to the Senior Manager of Meetings and Events, who will determine and carry out the appropriate course of action, and who may consult with and engage the AACOM executive leadership team and legal counsel as appropriate. Local law enforcement may be involved, as appropriate based on the specific circumstances.

AACOM event participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all conference venues, including conference social events. Participants asked to stop hostile or harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If someone engages in such behavior, AACOM retains the right to take any action to maintain a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes expelling the offender from the event with no refund at AACOM’s sole discretion.