Conference Policies

All attendees, speakers, conference supporters and organizing team members at the German American Conference are required to abide by the following code of conduct. Organizers will adhere to and enforce this code throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. By attending a GAC event, you agree to our code of conduct. Harassment includes offensive verbal or written comments or actions related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention or otherwise. The German American Conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, sex assigned at birth, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof). We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, platform, or event, including but not limited to talks, workshops, receptions, panel discussions, coffee chats, and social media. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference at the discretion of the event organizers. Participants of the conference, speakers, and conference supporters are all subject to the anti-harassment policy. Anyone asked to stop any harassing behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in any inappropriate behavior, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event platform and the conference. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the conference staff immediately, either directly or by emailing us at info@germanamericanconference.org. Conference staff can be identified in-person by their GAC t-shirts. Conference staff will be happy to assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference. We value your attendance.

For certain events, the GAC adheres to the Chatham House Rule to ensure open and honest exchange of ideas. The Chatham House Rule allows participants to freely discuss and share information within a trusted environment, fostering candid dialogue while respecting confidentiality. By attending our event, you agree to abide by the Chatham House Rule. This means that while you are free to use the information gained during the discussions, you must not reveal the identities or affiliations of any participants without their explicit permission. We are committed to maintaining an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality, ensuring that all attendees can contribute openly without concern for their privacy or professional integrity.

Harvard University is located on the traditional land of the Massachusett people, and the Nipmuc and Wampanoag Nations have long been our neighbors as well. Harvard Kennedy School recognizes and honors the past, present, and future of these Indigenous people and precious lands.