America Beyond 250 is being hosted by American Atheists, a national civil rights organization dedicated to uplifting the voices of atheists and other nonreligious people, protecting religious equality under the law, advancing social inclusion, and empowering nonreligious people through advocacy, education, and community building.

Introduction

American Atheists is committed to presenting events that are informative for all participants. This means creating a safe and harassment-free experience for participants at all of our events, whether they are held in person or virtually. American Atheists’ events are educational, training, and social experiences intended to help participants learn more about issues relevant to our community, build skills to better advocate for change, and connect with likeminded people.

Our events exist to encourage the open exchange of ideas, to discuss the experiences we share, and build a strong and vibrant community. This requires an environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every person and where attendees feel welcome. While attending American Atheists events, or related ancillary or social events, no participants, including speakers, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, booth staff, guests, and anyone else, are permitted to engage in harassment or prohibited conduct of any form.

Your registration for or attendance at any American Atheists event indicates your agreement to abide by this policy and its terms.

All event participants are expected to behave in accordance with this policy, as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Community Expectations

American Atheists will not tolerate harassment in any form, whether in person or virtually, including, but not limited to, harassment based on gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or any other class or status protected by law in the jurisdiction in which the conference or program is being held.

Harassment and unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to: the use of abusive, offensive, or degrading language; intimidation; disruption of talks or other events; stalking; harassing photography or recording; and inappropriate physical contact, sexual imagery, or unwelcome sexual advances.

Participants who are asked to stop any harassing or other unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately. Anyone who witnesses or is subjected to unacceptable behavior should notify an event organizer at once.

Any report of harassment at one of our events, whether in person or virtual, will be addressed immediately.

American Atheists recognizes that frank discussion about a range of topics is common at its events and welcomes these conversations. However, the harassment of individuals for their religious beliefs or other protected classification will not be tolerated. 

Speakers — and all attendees — are encouraged to use inclusive language to ensure that no participant feels excluded from our events.

Individuals who participate (or plan to participate) in social activities during the course of any American Atheists event should conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with both the letter and spirit of this policy whether before, during, or after the event. This includes statements made in social media postings, online publications, text messages, and all other forms of electronic communication.

American Atheists welcomes participants of all ages, including families with children, and expects all participants to treat these families with courtesy and respect. Parents or guardians bringing children are responsible for their children’s behavior. Parents or guardians should be aware that not all sessions or exhibits may be suitable for all children, but we encourage all guests to be mindful that young people may be present.

American Atheists is not responsible for the content of any third-party presentation, materials, or exhibitions. The views expressed by speakers, panelists, and other guests do not necessarily reflect the views of American Atheists.

No weapons, including firearms, whether or not they are concealed, are permitted within any event areas. Persons carrying weapons are not authorized to enter the event area or any meeting spaces.

American Atheists is consciously working to create a safe environment for members of the LGBTQI+ community. This includes ensuring that all participants are free to use bathroom facilities that align with their gender identity. Rather than making assumptions about other people’s gender identity or expression, respect others’ names and pronouns and address attendees as they request. 

If you have questions about someone’s experiences, listen when those stories are volunteered, but respect people’s privacy and boundaries. 

American Atheists understands that human interaction can be complex and sometimes confusing. Please give each other the benefit of explaining behavior you find offensive or unwelcome. Please listen if someone raises such a concern about your own behavior.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

If a participant engages in harassing or other unacceptable behavior, whether in person or virtually, American Atheists may take any action it deems appropriate, ranging from issuance of a warning to the offending individual to expulsion from the event with no refund.

If a participant engages in conduct that violates this policy, whether before, during or after an American Atheists event, we reserve the right to exclude an individual from participating in any further American Atheists events, conferences, trainings, or other activities.

Reporting Concerns

If you become aware of behavior at any event that does not comply with the community expectations expressed in this policy, you should report that behavior immediately to a member of the American Atheists staff. If you would like to report any concerns after the event, please email conduct@atheists.org with more information.

If you plan to attend an upcoming event and have concerns regarding another individual who may be present, please contact event organizers at conduct@atheists.org.