Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID)

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) Courses and Conferences program is committed to:

(1)    Fostering an educational and working environment that encourages and supports our mission and the promotion of free and open exchange of scientific ideas;
(2)    Creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all in-person and virtual participants in educational programs, including event directors and organizers, internal and invited speakers, attendees, and all staff; and
(3)    Providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment, in accordance with federal, state and local law, at all of our courses, conferences, symposia and workshops delivered both on and off of the JAX campuses.

The Code and expectations outlined below are aligned with the JAX Code of Conduct and NIH Policy and are applicable to all intramural and extramural participants including faculty, trainees, students and staff.

By registering for and attending a JAX Courses and Conferences -facilitated meeting or event, either in person or virtually, participants agree to:

• Treat fellow meeting participants and staff with respect, civility and fairness, without bias based on sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, color, religion, nationality or national origin, citizenship status, disability status, veteran status, marital or partnership status, age, genetic information, or any other criteria prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.
• Follow applicable federal, state and local laws on unlawful harassment and discrimination. Harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, marital status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited.
• Not engage in or encourage action that creates an intimidating, hostile, or unprofessional work environment.
• Discourage and report comments or activities that are unprofessional, offensive, derogatory, bullying, discriminating or harassing.

By participating in JAX Courses and Conferences programming attendees, either in person or virtually, agree to refrain from:

• Discrimination or harassment, as outlined above.
• Unprofessional or disrespectful behavior that interferes with the learning environment.
• Sharing of data or information, including through social media, from invite-only (e.g. not publicly-
  accessible) programs and meetings without the explicit permission of the presenter.
• Misuse or excessive personal use of JAX property or resources including equipment, computers,     internet and network infrastructure, supplies and residential/hospitality resources.    

What to do in case of breaches or violations of these guidelines:

Program organizers and leadership can be approached informally about any apparent or actual breaches or violations. Breaches or violations should be reported to the specific program leader or to JAX Courses and Conferences organizers in person or by email:

• Erin McDevitt, Building 01D Room 2185 (Bar Harbor, ME campus), Erin.McDevitt@jax.org
• Dr. Brent Berwin, Building 01D Room 2175 (Bar Harbor, ME campus), Brent.Berwin@jac.org

Reports can be submitted by those who experience harassment or discrimination as well as by those who witness violations of the behavior laid out in this Code. The TDCC will act as needed to resolve the matter, up to and including immediate expulsion of the offending participant(s) from the meeting and exclusion from future events offered by JAX. Individuals at any NIH-supported conference who have questions, concerns or complaints related to harassment or discrimination can also file a report with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) or notify NIH. Seeking assistance from a program leader or organizer in no way prohibits filing complaints with HHS OCR.