Code of Conduct

4. Expected Behavior 

1. Adhering to the Chatham House Rule at all OSAC events and in all OSAC communications. The Chatham House Rule states, “When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.” The Chatham House Rule applies to the extent permitted under applicable law.  

2. Recognizing that all OSAC events and communications platforms are forums where differing views may be expressed. These views must be discussed constructively and respectfully with due regard for the viewpoints of others. 

3. Abiding by any additional rules or policies of the venue or communications platform where OSAC activities are taking place.   

5. Violations of the Code 

1. Unauthorized recording, photography, screenshotting or any other capture of OSAC content, activities, or communications. Any distribution of such content constitutes a  violation of the Code. 

2. Unauthorized access or distribution of OSAC event links or any other content requiring OSAC account login. 

3. Sharing any sensitive information that could compromise security or safety such as specific details about personnel, assets, or operations obtained via OSAC content, communications, or activities– this includes sharing OSAC member contact information obtained via OSAC platforms. 

4. Charging dues or fees for any OSAC communication, activity, or product.  

5. Conducting sales, marketing, or other business development at any OSAC event or over any OSAC communications platforms.  

6. Unauthorized use of OSAC’s logo, name, or other branding. 

7. Unwelcome verbal, visual or physical conduct– this includes any form of harassment, discrimination, inappropriate language, display of nudity and/or sexual images or content, intimidating, threatening, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning conduct or commentary, physical stalking or written, verbal, or other abuse, including bullying of any type occurring in person or across any OSAC communications. 

8. Knowingly filing a false complaint. 

Reporting Concerns 

1. Any participant who has experienced unacceptable behavior as defined above, or has witnessed unacceptable behavior, or has additional concerns about conduct or activities associated with OSAC, should immediately report concerns to OSACconduct@state.gov. This address is monitored exclusively by OSAC’s Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Programs Team Lead. It is helpful to provide as much information as possible to ensure a thorough evaluation of any incident. The following information should be included in the report:   

• Name, organization, and contact information of the reporter 
• Name and organization (if known) of the person exhibiting the unacceptable behavior 
• Date of incident and frequency of behavior 
• Location of incident (online platform; venue/city; name of event or activity, if applicable) 
• A brief description of the incident; please indicate if it was targeted at a specific individual/individuals 
• Names of witnesses or other individuals involved, if any 
• Anything that illustrates the behavior such as an email or image if applicable  

2. All reports will be handled expediently and confidentially, to the extent permitted by law and U.S. Department of State policy. The Privacy Act of 1974 applies to the Department of State and the information it may receive from individuals, as does the Freedom of Information Act.     

3. Submissions will be monitored during normal business hours (8:30 am - 5:00 pm ET, Monday - Friday).  

4. Participants should contact 911 immediately if they have experienced or witnessed behavior or suspicious activity during an OSAC event in the United States that may constitute a crime or serious threat to the public.    

5. If outside the United States, participants should contact local law enforcement, if they have experienced or witnessed behavior or suspicious activity during an OSAC event that may constitute a crime or serious threat to the public. In the event the behavior does not arise to a crime or serious threat, but is unacceptable and a violation of this Code, the participant should report it to   the senior OSAC representative present, or the Regional Security Officer. 

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior 

1. The OSAC Executive Director will not tolerate unacceptable behavior. Any participant asked to stop behaving in an unacceptable manner, as outlined by this Code, is expected to comply immediately when requested by another participant or Department official, or if applicable, a law enforcement officer.  

2. The OSAC Executive Director must report any criminal acts to the appropriate authorities for investigation by the entity with jurisdiction.   

3. The OSAC Executive Director will review and evaluate all complaints internally and any USG employee designates, as circumstance dictates. The OSAC Executive Director will ensure due diligence is followed in all reported cases, according to the guidance of the U.S. Department of State and the Diplomatic Security Service.   

4. If the evaluation of the circumstances results in a substantiated finding, the offender may be subject to corrective actions including but not limited to expulsion from events and/or communications platforms.  

5. Depending on the severity of the unacceptable behavior, further consequences may include a temporary or permanent termination of access to OSAC membership groups and/or denial to participate in future OSAC events or programs.  

6. OSAC Executive Director decisions are considered final. The OSAC Executive Director also reserves the right to request that an OSAC organization rescind approval to any individual representative from their organization who has been found to violate the Code. 

7. For privacy reasons, The OSAC Executive Director will not make any statements about Code violations, except where required by law. OSAC also will not share details of reported violations, evaluations, findings, or deliberative processes, nor will it share with the reporting party the resulting corrective actions with respect to any individuals involved.