Code of conduct

For all conference participants:

The Low End Theories 2023 conference aims to create an inclusive, safe, and comfortable environment for discussing research. It is now widely recognised that there are various structural barriers to participating in academia. This code sets out five steps towards challenging these barriers:

1. Presenters and audience members vary by gender, race, class, career status, ability, caring responsibilities, and other factors that affect their participation in the conference. Please be aware of your privileges and give space to those whose voices are typically marginalised in academic discussions. For instance, men tend to ask more questions and speak for longer than women at conferences. To address this, chairs have been asked to take the first question following a paper from a woman or gender nonconforming person where possible.

2. We will not tolerate discrimination, inclusive of, but not limited, to racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. These subjects may arise in discussion of bass culture, sound systems, and popular music. For some participants English will be a second language, so please phrase comments carefully, but also be considerate of language differences and take corrections with grace.

3. We will not tolerate bullying or harassment. When people share personal aspects of their research, please focus more on listening than providing critique. We ask that all discussions remain civil and all behaviour professional, even where delegates share common interests and communicate casually.

4. We encourage kindness in all interactions in the Zoom room and chat. Please focus on making constructive contributions. Feel free to greet others, make connections, share knowledge, and link to resources. 

5. Note that chairs and presenters will not be able to pay constant attention to chat. Zoom chat will not be independently moderated, so we trust that participants will collectively build a considerate and inviting environment.

By registering for the conference, you agree to uphold these principles to the best of your ability.

If you feel that anyone breaks this code of conduct, please report it to the conference committee. This will be kept confidential and we will do our best to resolve disruptive behaviour.

We look forward to welcoming you online and engaging in enjoyable discussions.

Programme committee

Low End Theories 2023

This document is adapted from Internet Musicking.