Safe Space Policy

Code Network is and always will be a safe and inclusive space for everyone. We believe that in the absence of true equality in our world, we should aim to provide equity to those who need it.

Abuse, discrimination, harassment and anything else mentioned above is not tolerated in this group. Anyone violating this policy may be asked to leave our community either temporarily or permanently. Please question in advance your capacity to deal with being asked to leave if necessary and how you would react in a progressive way if you were called out for behaviour in violation of this policy.

Alcohol and other drugs are not an excuse for bad behaviour. We recognise the difficulties imposed by mental health and/or other disabilities, but these issues are not an excuse for poor behaviour either. Everyone can expect to be held accountable for their behaviour equally. We ask that you be aware of your capacity to remain in control of your emotions, actions and reactions when these things come into play.

If you experience or witness any behaviour that crosses the boundaries, ideas or intentions in this policy, challenge them. If you act contrary to this policy, expect to be challenged. This means every time someone acts contrary to this policy, pull them up on it. Be polite but firm, and explain why their behaviour is not ok.

1. We all take part in the Code Network community with a commitment to mutual respect, aid, anti-oppression advocacy, conflict resolution, non-violence and community building.
2. We respect everyone’s names, preferred gender pronouns, expressed identities and experiences. We avoid making assumptions, promote mutual appreciation and understand that no one is required to share information about their identities or experiences.
3. We support the empowerment of each person and strive to continually acknowledge the histories and structures of oppression that marginalize some and divide us all.
4. We commit to making our community as accessible as possible; physically, socially, and personally.
5. We do not engage in violence or threats.
6. We obtain explicit consent for physical contact or using others’ belongings.
7. We recognise that certain behaviour and language can act as a trigger for individuals, such as trivialising, joking about or dismissing someone’s thoughts or experiences.
8. We believe in stepping back and letting people and groups explain and conceive their own needs and requirements, and respect their choices and experiences.
9. We accept a shared responsibility where we hold ourselves and one another accountable to these agreements, without violence, judgment, or assumption of intent.
10. We support the concept of freedom of speech, and aim to avoid all forms of censorship. However, we do not support freedom from consequence. Your free speech may incur consequences such as (but not limited to) moderation, being included in a dispute process, temporary or permanent exclusion from our community, etc.
11. We promote inclusive learning spaces. We encourage anyone who is feeling less than familiar with terminology, concepts or context to ask questions in the spirit of personal growth and learning.

Terminology

Code Network defines various terms in our safe space policy as such: