Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive Environment

The World Anthropological Union (WAU) 2025 Congress, taking place in Antigua, Guatemala, and online, is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for all participants. Whether attending in person or virtually, the Congress is a space where ideas, knowledge, and professional development flourish through constructive, thoughtful, and respectful engagement.

WAU 2025 Congress upholds a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, discrimination, bullying, or any form of violence. We are firmly committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all participants.

Importantly, individuals with a documented history of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or violence may be excluded from participating in the WAU 2025 Congress, whether in person or online.

Guiding Principles for Participation

All participants—including delegates, speakers, staff, volunteers, and attendees—are expected to uphold the following principles throughout the Congress:

• Professional Behavior: Maintain professionalism at all times.
• Respect and Equality: Treat everyone with dignity, equality, and respect, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Constructive Engagement: Listen actively and engage thoughtfully, fostering inclusive and productive discussions.
• Kindness and Support: Act with empathy and support, creating an atmosphere of collegiality and care.
• Environmental Responsibility: Respect shared physical and virtual spaces.

The WAU 2025 Congress seeks to provide an environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, or any patronizing behavior, in all congress activities and spaces—whether formal or informal, physical or virtual.

An Inclusive Space for All

WAU 2025 Congress embraces diversity and is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience for everyone, irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, language, political views, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, religion, or economic background.

Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of violence will not be tolerated. Participants found in violation of this policy may face immediate removal from congress activities and events. Individuals with a known pattern of such behavior may be barred from registration and participation altogether.

Expected Standards of Conduct

All participants in WAU Congress activities—whether onsite or online—must adhere to these standards:

• No harassment
• No discrimination
• No bullying
• No condescending or demeaning behavior
• No violence (verbal, physical, or psychological)
• No tolerance for previous misconduct (including harassment or violence documented through complaints, investigations, or credible reports)

These standards apply to all settings, including conference venues, workshops, coffee breaks, social events, virtual sessions, chats, and online forums.

Practices for Online Congress Sessions

Every online session will be monitored by a Moderator or Stage Manager to ensure respectful engagement. Participants are encouraged to report inappropriate behavior to moderators or session chairs immediately. Violators may be removed from sessions, and further actions will be taken as necessary.

Definitions of Prohibited Conduct

Harassment: Unwelcome conduct (verbal, non-verbal, or physical) that demeans, humiliates, or creates a hostile environment based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other personal characteristics.

Bullying: Offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behavior that undermines or humiliates the recipient, whether publicly or privately.

Violence: Any act of physical or verbal aggression, intimidation, threats, or coercion, in any congress space, in person or online.

Reporting a Violation

Face-to-Face Events:

• Report concerns directly to congress staff or a designated contact person onsite.
• A formal incident report will be documented, and the next steps will be communicated promptly.

Online Events:

• Report concerns to session chairs or moderators.
• You may also contact the congress support team via email or phone for further assistance.

Reports will be handled confidentially. WAU 2025 Congress staff are trained to respond promptly and impartially.

Investigation and Outcomes

All complaints will be treated confidentially. Investigations will be impartial, with respect for the privacy of all individuals involved. The Congress reserves the right to take disciplinary action, including:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Removal from sessions or congress events
• Permanent exclusion from WAU Congresses and related activities
• Notification to relevant institutions or employers in severe cases

Commitment to Accountability

The WAU 2025 Congress is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive space for dialogue and exchange. We will take action to prevent and address harassment, violence, and discriminatory behavior, whether it occurs during the event or has occurred in the past.

For questions or to report incidents in advance of the congress, please contact us at org@waucongress.org