Anti-Harassment

The Publishers Cooperative Anti-Harassment

Introduction
The Publishers Cooperative [TPC], a non-profit corporation, is committed to providing a friendly, inclusive, positive, and respectful environment for all those who participate in TPC meetings, events and other activities.

This Anti-Harassment Policy sets forth The Publishers Cooperative’s expectations of conduct from all participants — attendees, guests of attendees, exhibitors, vendors, TPC contractors, venue staff, and others — at TPC meetings, events and other activities.

TPC expects participants to exercise common sense to foster a positive and respectful environment and experience for all other participants. Set forth below are common sense examples of conduct which is expected and unacceptable under this Policy.

Expected Conduct

• Do not engage in conduct that is unacceptable (see notes below).
• Do show consideration and respect for others.
• Do not engage in discriminatory, harassing, or threatening speech or conduct.
• Be aware of your surroundings and those around you, including if you notice someone at an event, including virtual meetings, who does not seem to be an actual participant but rather appears to have dropped in uninvited.

Immediately tell TPC’s Executive Director or a present TPC Board Member if you observe a participant in distress, observe actions which violate this Policy, or otherwise observe a situation that does not seem safe or respectful to others.

Unacceptable Conduct

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions in any respect.
• Harmful or prejudicial comments or visual images as to gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, or other personal characteristics.
• Inappropriate use of, or solicitation of, nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or presentations.
• Disruption of presentations.
• Unwelcome or uninvited contact, including group or direct messages during virtual meetings that are not in keeping with the spirit or purpose of the meeting.
• Unwelcome sexual advances or offers.
• Threat of physical, verbal, emotional and/or professional harm.
• Excessive swearing or offensive jokes.

Addressing Unacceptable Conduct
In the event that a participant or other person engages in unacceptable conduct at a TPC event, TPC’s Executive Director or present TPC Board Members are authorized to take such actions as they determine are necessary and appropriate to responsibly, safely and peacefully address the unacceptable conduct. Such actions may include requesting that the offending participant or person remove himself or herself from the event or removing access to the virtual meeting.

If requested or if it appears necessary, TPC’s Executive Director or a present TPC Board Member will also contact venue security and/or law enforcement to address the situation and assist the participant experiencing the unacceptable conduct.

If you are the subject of unacceptable conduct or observe another participant who is the subject of unacceptable conduct, please immediately tell TPC’s Executive Director or a TPC Board Member. At most events, TPC’s Executive Director and Board Members are identified by name badges.

This Policy was adopted by The Publishers Cooperative on September 12, 2025. This Policy may be revised and updated at any time at the discretion of TPC’s Board of Directors.