The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is committed to providing a professional, safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and attendees. All participants, including, but not limited to, faculty, members, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, ACC staff and volunteers, and service providers (each a Participant and collectively, Participants) are expected to abide by the ACC Code of Conduct (the Code). Participation in or attendance constitutes acknowledgement of the Code and an agreement to adhere to the Code by the Participant.
All Participants in ACC events or activities have a shared responsibility to create a culture that values individuals or groups equally. ACC does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment, whether intentional or unintentional, including but not limited to: offensive remarks, sexual or emotional harassment, racism or discriminatory language or behaviors, intimidation, or verbal abuse of any other Participant or guest. ACC expects Participants to uphold the professional and educational purposes of ACC by respecting the rights, privacy, safety, and dignity of all persons.
Participants and attendees must adhere to the following rules:
- All Participants must exercise professionalism, consideration, and respect in their speech and actions.
- Participants must refrain from harassing speech and other harassing behavior.
- Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability or other personal characteristics, including those protected by law, are strictly prohibited.
- Inappropriate, unnecessary, or irrelevant use of nudity and/or sexual images is not permitted.
- The recording or transmissions of any ACC education sessions, presentations, demonstrations, videos, or content in any format is strictly prohibited. Participants may not take or distribute pictures of or copy research posters/presentation materials unless explicit permission is granted.
- Disruption of presentations during educational sessions or at other events throughout the conference is strictly prohibited.
- All Participants must comply with the instructions of the ACC virtual event staff and any event moderators.
- All Participants must be mindful of their surroundings and of fellow Participants. Participants should alert ACC staff if the Participant notices a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code.
- Presentations, postings, and messages should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or solicitation for services. ACC reserves the right to remove such messages and potentially ban sources of those solicitations.
Participants should report any harassment or disruptive behaviors to ACC Member Care. ACC reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate to address violations of this Code, which may include immediate removal from the conference without warning or refund; restriction on attendance at future ACC meetings and events; and/or termination of ACC membership or any benefits or privileges thereof.