Community Standards & Accountability

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Stanford Biology Policy on Respectful and Inclusive Behavior

The Department of Biology is committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace that provides an intellectual, collegial, and productive working environment that supports research, collaboration, teaching, and learning. 

We Value 

We value excellence in scholarship, teaching, and mentorship. We value the fundamental dignity of all human beings, and the right of all people within our department – staff, undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty – to be safe in their workspace, to be equally valued as individuals, to have their voices heard, and for those from all racial, cultural, religious, socio-economic, gender identities, and sexual orientations to have a sense of belonging within our Biology community and the University as a whole. We value service to each other and to our community. We value leadership and personal responsibility and expect all members of our community – and especially those in leadership roles - to be aware of the potential impact of their actions, to be accountable for their actions, and to be role models in furthering the common principles and values that we hold.

These values and the practices that follow compose a living document. Every person brings unique qualities, talents and dignity to our Stanford Biology community and, through all voices, our efforts to build a respectful and inclusive workplace will evolve and improve. Feedback is welcome and may be directed to any member of the Stanford Biology Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.

From Values to Practice 

The bridge from aspirational values to lived practice requires that we adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice, open ourselves to learning and growth, and maintain principles that value human difference, dignity, and respect. It further requires that we hold ourselves and our community accountable for the impact of our actions.

To Whom Does this Apply?

All members of the Stanford Biology community are responsible for upholding our values and for creating a working and learning environment that brings these values to concrete expression in our everyday lives. This community includes undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and academic staff, postdoctoral scholars, visiting scholars/fellows, research staff, and administrative staff affiliated with the School. It also includes invited guests and visitors, volunteers, consultants, contractors, and others performing services for the Stanford Biology community.

Those in leadership roles, including all faculty members, supervisors, managers, and academic advisors, should be especially aware of the impact of their behavior on students, staff members, and other colleagues, and as such, should consider themselves as role models in the promotion of these values and practices.

Where Does this Apply?

We represent Stanford and our values when we are on and off campus, in the field, and at professional gatherings. Because field education and research is such a key part of our community—and may bring specific challenges—we refer to an expanded section “Expectations for Professional Conduct in the Field” later in this document.

Expectations

The Stanford Code of Conduct sets out a comprehensive series of policies and expectations that each of us commits to following as citizens of the University. Within that context, we recognize that a culture of professionalism and respect is necessary to the academic success and well-being of all members of our Stanford Biology community. Behaviors that contravene this culture hinder scientific advancement, productivity, and innovation within our School; and they undermine well-being, meaningful work, and professional success. Such behaviors can do real, irreparable harm.

We join our university and professional societies in stating that we do not tolerate behaviors that discriminate against, harass, sexually harass, bully, or retaliate against others in our academic and other professional activities. 

Moving our values into practice, we expect members of our community to: 

Our community is broad and we apply these practices in varied contexts. Each of the above points calls out for further expansion and contextual elaboration to create local meanings that guide professional behavior. We invite all members of our community to engage in the necessary conversations that bring these ideas to practical and relevant application.

Each member of the Stanford Biology community contributes to the realization of our values through their own behavior and as an upstander who acts on behalf of others. Anyone who believes they have been subjected to any form of harassment, discrimination, or abusive conduct should connect to resources and/or reporting structures appropriate to the situation (see Reporting Structures and Resources later in this document). Regardless of intent, the negative impact on individuals who have been harmed is real and valid; harmed individuals should prioritize their mental health while deciding on best options to move forward. Each University or School policy has its own review process and possible outcomes.

Individuals found to have violated a University or School policy (see Definitions below) or who fail to live up to our values may incur a range of consequences. For students, these include (but are not limited to): constructive conversation, formal warning, grade impact, community service, suspension, and expulsion. For faculty and staff, these may include (but are not limited to): constructive conversation, formal warning, salary and/or promotion impact, restriction on accepting/advising students or supervising others, removal from leadership positions, and termination.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. The Biology Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee regularly reviews this departmental policy document and acts as a resource around awareness and school climate. This committee does not adjudicate incidents of harassment or inappropriate conduct, though its members may help connect to relevant reporting structures. A list of current committee members is included at the end of this page.

The following terms describe inappropriate and unwelcome conduct in the workplace. All are behaviors that are damaging to those impacted and some are also illegal. 

Definitions are drawn from GSA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (2019), Lamont Code of Conduct (2019), and Stanford University Code of Conduct

Adhering to Stanford’s Code of Conduct requires that any suspected violations of applicable standards, policies, laws, or regulations be brought to the attention of the appropriate cognizant office. Reporting would normally be made to the immediate supervisor, instructor, or advisor. In situations where it is not appropriate or comfortable to report to an immediate supervisor, individuals may go to a higher level within the department, program, school, or university.

Stanford University Code of Conduct Reporting Suspected Violations, including options for reporting beyond the local unit

Reporting Obligations: there are specific situations mandated by law that require persons who are considered agents of the university to report. Except for University-recognized confidential resources, certain University staff members (including student staff members) with knowledge of unreported concerns relating to Title IX Prohibited Conduct are required to report such allegations to the Title IX Coordinator. These Responsible Employees include supervisors and faculty and staff who have responsibility for working with students in the capacities of teaching, advising, coaching, or mentoring. Reporting by these individuals is required regardless of whether the subject of the Title IX Prohibited Conduct has or has not indicated they will contact the appropriate office. 

See Policy 1.7.1 in Stanford University’s Code of Conduct for more information on sexual harassment prohibited by the University

Reporting Confidentiality: There are select resources that are confidential (see below). The information you share with them is protected by federal and state laws and cannot be shared without your explicit permission. Confidential resources are not required to report to Stanford Title IX and will not share information except in certain circumstances. Those circumstances include: pursuant to a court order or other legal obligation, if they have reason to believe that a student or staff member presents a risk of harm to self or others, or if a minor is being abused. Non-confidential resources treat the information you share with the maximum amount of discretion possible, but are required to report sexual harassment and abuse, allegations of discrimination, minor abuse, and risk to oneself or others, to the appropriate cognizant office.

Campus Security Authorities (CSA’s) are staff and faculty with significant responsibilities for student and campus activities. CSA are required to report certain offenses in accordance with the Clery Act.