Policies

Diversity Policy

We welcome you.

We try to be inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of anyone who comes to us with good faith.

We welcome people of any gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, size, nationality, sexual orientation, ability level, neurotype, religion, age, elder status, family structure, culture, subculture, political opinion, identity, and self-identification. We welcome activists, artists, bloggers, crafters, dilettantes, musicians, photographers, readers, writers, ordinary people, extraordinary people, and everyone in between. You may wear a baby sling, hijab, a kippah, leather, piercings, a pentacle, a rainbow, a rosary, tattoos, or something we can only dream of. You may carry a guitar or knitting needles or a sketchbook. You may be conservative or liberal, libertarian or socialist or have political opinions outside these categories.

We want everyone at BOB to have a good time. We want you to be free to express yourself and speak your mind. We don't want anyone to get hurt, or reminded of hurtful events. And we believe that these wishes aren't mutually exclusive. So this one day, we ask that you check your cynicism at the door. Resist the temptation to play devil's advocate. Let's see what we can do when we actively try to be kind to one another.

 

Anti Harassment Policy

We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks. Conference participants violating these rules may be expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Any form of written, social media, or verbal communication that can be offensive or harassing to any attendee, speaker or staff is not allowed at BOB. Please inform a staff member if you feel a violation has taken place and the conference leadership team will address the situation.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Exhibitors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff immediately. Conference staff can be identified by t-shirts and/or special badges.