Palmer LTER Code of Conduct

The Palmer LTER neither condones nor tolerates harassment or intimidation of any kind including, but not limited to, hazing of new participants, verbal intimidation, and sexual harassment. As employees of academic institutions in the US and participants in a federally-funded project, we are all bound by the requirements and expectations of Title IX, which states (in part) “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Title IX applies to our behavior toward each other, towards other scientists, and toward anyone else we encounter while deploying or deployed to Antarctica. While deployed, many of our project participants stay in remote conditions onboard ships and remote field stations which keeps us in relatively close quarters sometimes sharing these spaces with other science groups and USAP staff for extended periods of time. Our field teams each year have participants new to field work, and/or new to Antarctica, which presents challenges to everyone involved, beyond the harsh conditions of Antarctica. Our long history of excellent science is built upon collaboration and teamwork. Should you feel that you have been harassed in any way or that you have witnessed harassment, you should contact your team leader, your PI, the Palmer LTER PI in the field (schedule will be distributed for each season), ship/station staff, and/or the NSF Science Rep. Communication is essential. It is our core belief that all participants demonstrate respect for each other and everyone else with whom they work while deploying and deployed.

For additional resources, see: