Re: Proposed IETF Anti-Harassment Policy

I support the goal, and, similar to others, think this is a good first cut. 
Others have raised difficult questions, such as the lack of a crisp definition 
of "harassment" and the need for both judgement on the part of the ombudsman 
and an appeal process in the event that the ombudsman is not seen as "part of 
the solution". 

I wondered at the last sentence. What is the definition of an "appropriate" 
response to harassment? Does this mean that law enforcement might be contacted? 
Does it mean that an abusive poster might be excluded from posting to a list? 
If it is in the context of a meeting, does it mean that the aggressive party 
might be asked to leave, either the specific meeting or the meeting venue? I 
suspect that this may imply some variant on legal process (as noted in Ted's 
use of the term "litigate"), which worries me immensely. What guidance can be 
given to the ombudsman and to an appellant of an ombudsman's decisions to 
ensure the appropriateness of a counter-measure?



On Oct 20, 2013, at 9:44 PM, IETF Chair <chair(_at_)ietf(_dot_)org> wrote:

> The IETF should be an open and accessible body in which any individual feels
> able to participate without fear of oppression or harassment.  The IESG has
> become aware of some incidents of concern, is aware of various incidents in 
> our
> industry in general, and has also observed that many similar organisations and
> conferences have a policy on this matter.
>
> In order to ensure the right atmosphere and to provide a suitable environment,
> the IESG has decided that it is desirable to write a simple and 
> straightforward
> policy on harassment. This is not only to remind participants not to harass
> others (something that we hope is obvious to us all), but also to let anyone 
> who
> it the target of harassment know that we take these matters seriously and that
> there is something they can do to address these sorts of incidents should they
> occur.
>
> A small design team has looked at existing policies used by other groups 
> similar
> to the IETF and consulted with some of the ISOC professionals with expertise 
> in
> human resources and issues of workplace harassment. The design team has put
> together what the IESG feels is a good anti-harassment policy for the IETF: It
> is short and to the point, it is modeled on and makes heavy re-use of the
> language of existing policies, and it sets forth reasonable procedures for the
> IETF.
>
> The IESG intends to put in place Ombudspersons as confidential initial contact
> points for situations where there is a concern of harassment. The selection of
> Ombudspersons will happen later, and the person(s) will have appropriate
> training and expertise.
>
> The IESG plans to adopt this as an IESG Statement. We solicit your feedback. 
> We
> understand that this is a difficult and sensitive topic to discuss, but we do
> want your comments. If you feel more comfortable sending comments directly to
> the IESG <iesg(_at_)ietf(_dot_)org> rather than discussing them on the IETF 
> list, please
> feel free to do so.
>
> Jari Arkko for the IESG
>
> --- Draft Statement ---
>
> IETF Anti-Harassment Policy
>
> IETF meetings, virtual meetings, and mailing lists are intended for 
> professional
> collaboration and networking. The IETF strives to create and maintain an
> environment in which people are treated with dignity, decency, and respect.
> Those who participate in the IETF are expected to behave according to
> professional standards and demonstrate appropriate workplace behavior. While
> participating in the IETF, communication between participants should be
> appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different
> backgrounds.
>
> While our processes let chairs deal with disruptive public behaviors on 
> mailing
> lists and in IETF face-to-face meetings, harassment is a serious problem that
> warrants special attention. IETF participants should not engage in harassment
> while at IETF meetings, virtual meetings, social events, or on mailing lists.
> Harassment is unwelcome hostile or intimidating behavior, in particular speech
> and behavior that is sexually aggressive or intimidates based on attributes 
> like
> race, gender, religion, age, color, national origin, ancestry, disability,
> sexual orientation, or gender identity. Harassment of this sort will not be
> tolerated in the IETF. Harassment includes the use of offensive language or
> sexual imagery in public presentations and displays, degrading verbal 
> comments,
> deliberate intimidation, stalking, harassing photography or recording,
> inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
>
> Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply
> immediately. If you believe you have been harassed, notice that
> someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, you are encouraged
> to raise your concern in confidence with one of the Ombudspersons.
>
> If these standards are violated, appropriate action will be taken.

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