Code of Conduct

• The Code of Conduct applies universally to all individuals (1) associated with DeerHacks. This includes in-person activities (2) at the hackathon and interactions across all related communication channels (3).
• (1) Individuals involved in DeerHacks include, but are not limited to, participants, organizers, volunteers, mentors, sponsors, speakers, vendors, staff members, and members of the broader community.
• (2) In-person activities at the hackathon include, but are not limited to, our opening and closing ceremonies, workshops, speaker sessions, tutorials, de-stressor activities, and any events officially partnered with DeerHacks.
• (3) Communication channels include, but are not limited to, DeerHacks' official social media platforms (e.g., Discord, Instagram, LinkedIn), email communications, and other forms of digital interaction, including direct messages to individuals involved in DeerHacks.
• By engaging in DeerHacks events or communication channels, individuals agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct. Additionally, individuals are expected to comply with any specific rules and conditions applicable to their roles or specific activities, which are subject to updates and changes without prior notice.

DeerHacks is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment and harassment-free experience for everyone. No discrimination, based on the following grounds and any combination of these grounds, shall be tolerated:

• Age
• Gender identity and expression
• Sexual orientation
• Sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding)
• Disability (including mental, physical, developmental, or learning disabilities)
• Physical appearance
• Body size
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Nationality
• Religion
• Political views
• Previous hackathon attendance or lack thereof
• Computing experience or lack thereof
• Chosen programming language or tech stack
• Any other grounds Organizers deem inappropriate

Behavior that compromises the comfort or safety of DeerHacks participants is unacceptable. This section provides examples of such behavior, intended to be descriptive but not exhaustive.

• Advocating or encouraging any prohibited behavior is not allowed.
• Immediate compliance is expected if asked to stop any such behavior.

Inclusivity is key to DeerHacks. We expect no form of unequal or different treatment towards others. Discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional, is not tolerated. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Discriminatory comments or actions related to gender, identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, ethnicity, or other characteristics listed in Protected Grounds, based on one or more incidents.
• Any actions that impose burdens or deny benefits, disadvantaging certain groups.
• Displaying or wearing material that qualifies as hate speech or is intolerant of human rights.

Harassment and stalking are severe violations that compromise the safety and respect integral to DeerHacks. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Threats of professional, financial, or physical harm.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
• Retaliation against individuals reporting violations or assisting in investigations.
• Use of electronic devices or digital platforms for illegal, lewd, offensive, indecent, or obscene acts or expressions.
• Taking unauthorized or inappropriate photographs or recordings, especially in situations where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in bathrooms or sleeping areas.
• Any course of comments or actions that are known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome, offensive, embarrassing, humiliating, or demeaning.

Maintaining a respectful space, free from sexual and gender-based harassment, is essential for a positive experience at the event. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Displays or use of sexualized pictures, graffiti, recordings, sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, and anything that creates a sexualized environment.
• Inappropriate physical contact or staring.
• Gender-related verbal abuse, threats, or taunting.
• Demands for dates or requests for sexual favors.
• Offensive jokes or comments of sexual nature about an Organizer or attendee.
• Unwelcome sexual or other attention.

A constructive atmosphere is vital for a productive event. Disruptive or aggressive behaviors are counterproductive. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Sustained disruption of in-person activities at DeerHacks.
• Physical assault or advocating for harmful behaviors.
• Making aggressive or unreasonable demands or enquiries.
• Shouting, yelling, or using profanity and obscene language.
• Throwing objects or attempting to incite violence.
• Making false, disparaging, inflammatory comments or statements about individuals involved in DeerHacks, whether directly asserted or insinuated.

Safety and adherence to legal standards are critical for everyone's well-being at DeerHacks. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Causing unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
• Refusing to leave the premises when directed.
• Bringing a weapon into the event venue.
• Theft, vandalism, or illegal consumption of alcohol or drugs.

• Removal from DeerHacks or denial of access to future iterations of DeerHacks and partnered events.
• Blocking access to DeerHacks resources, including the website.
• Revocation of any awards or recognitions.
• Other necessary measures, without any fee refunds.

During DeerHacks, if you face any emergency, immediate assistance is available. The University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Safety Special Constable Service operates 24/7 throughout the year. You can reach Campus Safety by phone.

• Emergency Contact: 905-569-4333
• General Inquiries: 905-828-5200