Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for All Individuals at TLA Events

Texas Library Association is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form.

Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other attendees. Behave professionally. Remember that harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate for Texas Library Association events.

Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event and may be prohibited from attending any future events at the discretion of the event organizers.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the conference/event and banning from any conferences/events in the future.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of event staff immediately.

Event staff will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social events.

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. 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.