Code of Conduct

TLA Code of Conduct

The Texas Library Association (TLA) is dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone engaged with the association at events and on social media channels, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, ethnicity, military status, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment in any form at any TLA events or activities, or on any TLA social media channels, including those managed by TLA units.

We encourage productive and constructive discussion and participation.  Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Behave professionally. Remember that harassment, and sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate.

Harassment includes offensive comments or actions related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, ethnicity, military status, race, or religion. Sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, online bullying, cyberstalking, name calling or humiliating or disparaging language is not tolerated.  Individuals asked to stop any harassing behavior at events or online are expected to comply immediately.

If an individual engages in harassing behavior, TLA may take any action deemed appropriate, including warning the offender, expelling them from the event, banning them from future events, hiding or deleting comments, and/or blocking the offender from any TLA social media channels.

Resolution to Prohibit the Open Carry of Firearms at TLA Events

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Texas Library Association (TLA) has embraced and encouraged excellence in all areas of librarianship with its events and venues providing a safe environment to promote and engage in a friendly atmosphere of literacy and life-long learning skills; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Library Association is committed to providing a safe environment at all its events to foster open communication among all members; and

WHEREAS, The TLA Diversity Vision states that “The Texas Library Association recognizes the value of serving diverse communities and works to promote excellence through inclusiveness in services and programs to our members;” and

WHEREAS, One of the stated missions of the Texas Library Association is “To increase attention to intellectual freedom and social responsibility as an action-oriented association;” and

WHEREAS, The open carry of firearms at TLA events and venues further creates an atmosphere of fear and potential intimidation in contradiction to TLA’s basic mission, vision and goals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Texas Library Association authorizes and directs its events and venue planning committee/s, or designee(s), to post the required signage and/or to provide oral or written communications in accordance with Texas state, county and local law to provide license holders with notice that the open carrying of handguns is prohibited at all TLA events and venues.

The Code of Conduct for All Individuals at TLA Events was approved by the Executive Board on July 8, 2014 and updated March 2019. The Executive Board amended the policy on July 10, 2016 with the addition of the Resolution to Prevent the Open Carrying of Firearms at TLA Events. On April 17, 2015, the TLA Council authorized the Executive Board to set such policies.