MAVT Code of Conduct Policy

The Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) strives to create a professional and welcoming environment at all of its events, virtual and in-person, in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and free from any form of harassment or other discrimination. 

This Code of Conduct (“Code of Conduct”) guides everyone who participates in or attends MAVT meetings or events, including members, non-members, employees, speakers, sponsors, vendors, contractors, volunteers, and other guests (“Attendees”). MAVT wants to ensure that all Attendees understand what behavior is expected and what behavior will not be tolerated at an MAVT meeting or event. This Code of Conduct applies to all events held at any venue, hotel, meeting room, office location, website, or internet platform where an MAVT-sponsored meeting or other event (including social events) is held.

Everyone participating in an MAVT meeting or event is required to abide by the following guidelines:

Expected Behavior

Treat all event Attendees and Employees of the event venue with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.

Be considerate, respectful, and collegial toward Attendees, Employees of the event, MAVT administrative staff, and event organizers. 

Be respectful of the event venue property.

Be mindful of your surroundings and of other event Attendees.

Alert on-premises personnel and MAVT Leadership if you notice a dangerous situation or someone clearly in distress.

If you notice anyone not following these rules, please inform an event organizer or MAVT Leadership.

Follow recommended precautions to prevent transmission of infectious diseases and be respectful of others’ preventative measures.

Unacceptable Behavior

MAVT expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or perceived disability (physical or mental), or any other legally protected class. 

The following behavior will not be tolerated:

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.

• Physical, written, electronic, or verbal abuse of any participant.

This code provides general guidelines and cannot cover every possible type of unacceptable behavior. MAVT reserves the right to apply corrective action to instances other than the specific examples noted.

Reporting Procedure

MAVT has an open-door policy and an Incident Reporting Policy. MAVT encourages anyone to share their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with the Members of the MAVT Board or the Administrative Director. 

All reported concerns will be treated seriously and investigated in accordance with MAVT Incident Reporting Policy. All Attendees are expected to cooperate fully and honestly with any investigation.

Attendees are subject to the policies and procedures of their place of employment. As such, any Attendees should report an incident to their employer, especially if the incident involves a co-worker.

MAVT will not be responsible for reporting incidents to employers unless an unlawful act is committed, in which case the organization will report the incident to the employer(s).

Consequences

Attendees who are asked to stop their behavior will be expected to comply immediately. If an Attendee continues to violate this Code of Conduct, they may be sanctioned or expelled from the event, future events, and even MAVT membership without a refund, at the discretion of the MAVT board.

Cooperation

MAVT has a zero-tolerance policy for behavior in violation of any state, federal, or local law or regulation. MAVT reserves the right to work with a governmental authority in their investigation of any criminal complaint involving discrimination or harassment, physical and verbal, by Attendees at our meetings.

No Retaliation

MAVT will not tolerate any actual or attempted reprisals or retaliation against individuals who raise in good faith a concern that this Code of Conduct has been violated, or who participate in the investigation of such a concern.

Contact

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact info@mnmavt.org