Purpose 

The International Political Economy Society (IPES) seeks to uphold high professional standards for all interactions in IPES-sponsored activities. As such, code of conduct below applies to all individuals in the context of IPES activities.  

The International Political Economy Society (IPES) is committed to fostering a community that promotes mutual respect, diversity of experiences and ideas, and a welcome environment for a shared and open process of scientific inquiry. We prioritize inclusivity of participation regardless of an individual’s age, actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, physical appearance and ability, mental health, nationality and national origin, marital status, parental status, work experience, geographic location, or socioeconomic background.  

Intimidation, harassment, or hostile behavior is strictly prohibited at IPES-sponsored events. This includes, but is not limited to intimidating, bullying, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions; persistent and unwelcome advances of emotional/physical intimacy or abuse; and implicit or explicit threats of professional and/or physical harm if advances are rebuffed.  

IPES recognizes that participants at IPES activities who feel that they have been victims of bullying, discrimination and/or harassment as defined in this Code are entitled to pursue their claims in a safe and non-threatening environment.  

 
Expected behavior 

  • All participants at IPES events are expected to abide by this code of conduct in all meeting venues including ancillary events and official and unofficial social gatherings.  

  • Abide by the norms of professional respect that are necessary to promote the conditions for free academic interchange.  

  • If you witness potential harm to a conference participant, be proactive in helping to mitigate or avoid that harm. 

  

Unacceptable behavior 

  • Persistent and unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy 

  • Persistent and unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy accompanied by real or implied threat of professional harm 

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in an IPES meeting and/or at any related event 

  • Prejudicial actions or comments related to actual or perceived gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, age, or religion that coerce others, foment broad hostility, or otherwise undermine professional equity or the principles of free academic exchange 

  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following 

  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events 

  • Physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping) 

  • Real or implied threat of physical harm 

To register a complaint under this code of conduct, please contact in writing either the chair or a member of the steering committee (see here). 

 PROCESS 

 Reporting a Complaint 

  1. How to Report: 

  • Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Chair or another member of the IPES Steering Committee (see here). 

  • Complaints must be filed within one (1) calendar year of the alleged incident. 

  1. Required Information: 

  • The name of the respondent. 

  • A description of the behavior, including dates, times, and locations (if known). 

  • Names of witnesses (if any) or relevant evidence. 

  1. Confidentiality: 

  • Complaints will be handled with discretion. Identities and details will only be disclosed to individuals directly involved in the resolution process. 

  • Anonymous complaints are not accepted, but the confidentiality of the complainant will be prioritized to prevent retaliation. 

  1. Acknowledgment: 

  • Complainants will receive written acknowledgment of their report within 10 business days. 

 

Initial Review 

  1. Designated Reviewer: 

  • The Chair, or an alternate if there is a conflict of interest, will conduct an initial review to determine if the complaint falls under the scope of the Code of Conduct. 

  • If the Chair has a conflict of interest, they will designate another Steering Committee member to take responsibility. The alternate should have significant professional security and experience in handling sensitive matters. 

  1. Timeline: 

  • The initial review will be completed within 14 days of receiving the complaint. 

  1. Criteria for Action: 

  • Behavior must meet the definitions of "unacceptable behavior" outlined in the Code. 

  • If the behavior does not fall under the Code, the complainant will be informed, and no further action will be taken. 

 

Investigation 

  1. Informal Resolution: 

  • If appropriate, the reviewer may first attempt informal resolution through discussions between the complainant and the respondent. 

  1. Formal Investigation: 

  • If informal resolution is not possible or appropriate, the reviewer will consult with at least one additional Steering Committee member to ensure impartiality. 

  • Both the complainant and respondent will be invited to provide their accounts, supporting evidence, and witness statements (if applicable). 

  1. External Advisors: 

  • For complex or sensitive cases, an external advisor (e.g., a past Chair or independent consultant) may be consulted to assist with the investigation. 

  1. Timeline: 

  • Investigations will be completed within 30 days of initiating the formal process. 

 

Resolution 

  1. Possible Outcomes: 

  • A warning or reminder of expected behavior. 

  • Temporary or permanent exclusion from society events or activities. 

  1. Sanction Guidelines: 

  • Minor Violations: Verbal or written warning (e.g., unintentional microaggressions). 

  • Moderate Violations: Temporary suspension from events (e.g., repeated harassment). 

  • Severe Violations: Permanent suspension (e.g., physical assault, stalking). 

  1. Notification: 

  • Both parties will be informed in writing of the outcome and any actions taken within 7 days of concluding the investigation. 

  1. Follow-Up: 

  • The Steering Committee will follow up with the complainant after the resolution to ensure their concerns are fully addressed. 

 

Appeals Process 

  1. Filing an Appeal: 

  • Either party may submit an appeal in writing within 14 days of receiving the resolution. 

  • Appeals must clearly state the grounds, which may include:  

  • Procedural errors or irregularities. 

  • New evidence that was not reasonably available during the investigation. 

  • Disproportionate sanctions relative to the severity of the violation. 

  1. Appeal Review: 

  • The Chair will appoint an independent reviewer (e.g., a Steering Committee member not involved in the initial investigation or an external advisor) to reassess the case. 

  1. Final Decision: 

  • The appeal decision will be final and communicated to all parties within 30 days of receiving the appeal. 

 

Recordkeeping 

  1. Documentation: 

  • A summary of the complaint, investigation, and resolution will be securely stored for five years. 

  • Records will only be accessed by authorized individuals for purposes such as process improvement or identifying repeat violations. 

 

Proactive Measures 

  1. Education and Training: 

  • At the start of each conference or event, participants will receive reminders about expected behavior and how to report violations.