The National Association of Federal Equity Receivers (NAFER) is committed to maintaining an environment that respects the dignity of all individuals. NAFER is dedicated to providing a discrimination-free and harassment-free experience, including without limitation, at all NAFER conferences and events for everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, physical appearance, body size, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
As an association, NAFER is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas. In the context of NAFER policy and the professional practices of federal equity receiverships, critical examination of beliefs and viewpoints does not, by itself, constitute hostile conduct or harassment. This policy is not intended to constrain responsible scholarly or professional discourse and debate. We welcome engagement with difficult topics, done with respect and care.
NAFER seeks to provide an environment in which diverse 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.
NAFER does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of attendees at NAFER events in any form, including but not limited to:
- Behavior that discriminates against anyone based on race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, language, religion or a groups or classes of people
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Unwelcome sexual attention
- Sexual images in public spaces
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
- Harassing photography or recording
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
It is expected that every NAFER member and attendee at NAFER events will take responsibility for refraining from any form of discrimination or harassment, reporting any incident that is made known, cooperating in preventing such behavior, and assisting with corrective measures when, despite this policy and NAFER’s commitment, such acts occur.
Participants or attendees at NAFER events violating these rules may be excluded from the conference or event without a refund at NAFER’s discretion.
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to NAFER’s Executive Director or a member of the Executive Director’s staff. Discrimination, harassment, and other conduct violations harm and detract from NAFER’s mission and events for everyone. You can make a report either personally or anonymously. You also may make a report in writing, including by email, or orally in person.
The identity of an individual who submits a report, a witness who provides information regarding a report, and the target of the complaint, will be kept confidential to the extent possible consistent with a thorough and impartial investigation.
An individual who submits a report (of discrimination, harassment, or conduct violation, either experienced or observed) or a witness who provides information regarding a report will be protected from retaliation by any NAFER member or event attendee to the extent reasonably possible. Any NAFER member or event attendee who retaliates against any individual who submits a report or provides information regarding a report will be disciplined appropriately and to the extent reasonably possible, including without limitation exclusion from NAFER events and/or termination of membership without a refund in the sole discretion of NAFER.
Any report of discrimination, harassment, or other conduct that violates this policy will be the subject of a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation. Any information gathered as part of an investigation will be kept confidential to the extent possible consistent with a thorough and impartial investigation.
NAFER will take immediate and proportionate corrective action if it determines that discrimination, harassment, or other conduct violation has occurred.
NAFER members or event participants asked to stop any discriminating, harassing, or other conduct violation behavior are expected to comply immediately. If someone engages in such behavior, NAFER retains the right to take any action to maintain a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender of expulsion from the event with no refund in NAFER’s sole discretion.
NAFER may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting an event or making an environment hostile for any participants.
NAFER expects all NAFER members and event attendees to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities.