Get Lit Book Club: Code of Conduct

A primary goal of the Garrett Book Club is to be inclusive to the largest number of members, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof).

This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in this club, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

Members of the Garrett Book Club are required to adhere to the rules and expectations below, as well as those set forth in the Garrett College Student Code of Conduct.

1. Expected Behavior

• Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this club.
• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
• Attempt collaboration before conflict.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert book club leader if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

2. Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any book club member, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in and out of the context of book club business.

Harassment includes: harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

3. Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior from any book club member will not be tolerated.

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a book club member engages in unacceptable behavior in or outside of book club, the book club leader may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the club without warning.

4. If You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify the book club leader as soon as possible (see Section 7 below).

5. Addressing Grievances

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify the book club leader with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordingly.

6. Scope

We expect all book club members to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues—online and in-person—as well as in all one-on-one communications not just pertaining to book club business.

7. Contact Info

Garrett College Library & Learning Commons, reference@garrettcollege.edu, 301-387-3022