NABJ Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) aims to foster an inclusive and equitable atmosphere among its members and at its events so that all in attendance feel welcome, respected and safe. Our board, staff and members are committed to the goal of maintaining an environment where no one is subject to oppression, intimidation, discrimination and/or harassment based on his/her/their gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, size, race, ethnicity, age, nationality, class, physical or mental disability, creed, religion or political ideology.

We expect anyone attending our events or participating in any form of NABJ communications or business to interact with one another in a way that does not degrade or denigrate others. This includes members, staff, the board, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, partners and other guests. All attendees are to remain professional with others and refrain from engaging in behavior and actions that constitute harassment; which includes – but is not limited to – sexual comments, uninvited touching and sexual advances; hostile or physical intimidation; sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic and racist language; and/or dissemination of disinformation and misinformation.

In addition to those listed above, harassment of vendors, recruiters, guest speakers or event attendees in any form will not be tolerated. This includes via digital methods that seek immediate and widespread dissemination and encompasses the posting of photos, videos, audio and text that seek to ridicule, shame and/or objectify another.

NABJ seeks to foster a healthy and fair environment where all members can learn and share knowledge in an atmosphere free of harassment, hostility and discrimination. If you feel you have experienced harassment of any kind during an NABJ-sanctioned event – in-person or digitally/virtually – from an NABJ member or other listed above while participating in business as it relates to NABJ, please notify an NABJ staffer, board member or the proper authorities in attendance. If you become a victim of a crime under these circumstances, alert law enforcement immediately.

NABJ members, staff, partners, board, volunteers, sponsors and other guests also must refrain from disseminating false or misleading information in person, virtually and/or on all social media platforms that could potentially harm the NABJ brand and/or negatively impact future engagements with NABJ, including funding opportunities.

Violating this Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy could result in penalties – including a permanent ban from NABJ communication platforms, all NABJ activities and related events without a refund of fees or registration, as applicable. If a member is found to violate the policy, that member must immediately remove offensive material and issue a correction. Failure to do so could result in legal action.

(It is important to note that while professional discourse and freedom of speech are encouraged, in some instances, the nature of comments may be subject to adjudicated legal exceptions. Defamation, libel and slander may be among adjudicated exceptions.)

Violators of any of the above will be referred to an ad hoc ethics committee, which will examine the violation and make recommendations to the board of directors. The board has the right to accept or reject recommendations; however, after any further review, the board will issue a decision on the course of action to be taken.

NABJ offers high-quality professional development programming and workshops throughout the year across the country and across all platforms. We want to maintain an environment that matches the caliber of our events and the regard that we have for everyone who attends.

Updated by NABJ President Dorothy Tucker and NABJ Board of Directors June 1, 2020.