Code of Conduct

Pittsburgh Freethought Community welcomes open dialogue, free inquiry, disagreement, and well-reasoned debate. We expect those conversations to happen with respect.

Our Standard

Free inquiry and respectful conduct belong together.

PFC’s membership and leadership include people with diverse backgrounds, skills, education, life experiences, and perspectives. PFC organizes public meetings and activities that create many opportunities for people to meet both in person and virtually, including online forums and social media.

In our governance, administrative, and public activities, all participants are expected to conduct themselves in a way that respects other participants and encourages open dialogue and free inquiry.

Boundaries

What is not acceptable at PFC events or spaces?

PFC prohibits intimidating, threatening, or harassing conduct during in-person and virtual interactions. Critical examination of statements or beliefs does not, by itself, constitute hostile conduct or harassment.

Disruptive Conduct

Significantly disruptive conduct is prohibited, including interrupting, heckling, yelling at, or threatening speakers or other attendees.

Abusive Conduct

Conduct that unreasonably interferes with another person’s ability to enjoy and participate in an event is prohibited.

Harassment or Personal Attacks

Harassment, personal attacks, and unfounded accusations against any participant based on sex, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, socioeconomic class, political affiliation, beliefs in or about religion, or any protected status under local, state, or federal law are prohibited.

Accountability

Hostile or harassing conduct will be addressed.

PFC has a zero-tolerance policy for hostile and harassing conduct. If an individual or group engages in such conduct, PFC will take appropriate remedial action.

That action will include an examination of the incident and the context in which it occurred, along with consideration of steps PFC should take to reduce the opportunity for such conduct in the future.

Possible Actions

Consequences may include:

Expulsion from a specific event
Removal from an online forum
Revocation of PFC membership
Prohibition from future participation with PFC

Reporting Concerns

Need to report hostile or harassing conduct?

People who are the targets of, or witnesses to, hostile or harassing conduct should contact any PFC Director. PFC will promptly address all such reports.

Everyone involved with PFC is also expected to follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws during PFC events. Please reach out if something needs to be addressed.

Contact PFC