LSST Code of Conduct

LSST Communication Code of Conduct

LSST has unique challenges as a distributed project. We use a variety of different communication tools, and remote participation in meetings is common. Being mindful of the limitations presented by these factors and making a conscious effort to be thoughtful and respectful will lead to more effective and inclusive communication. Use the following guidelines when communicating with others on the Project:

1. Raise all voices. Recognize that our project includes individuals with different communication styles. All voices must be heard to promote excellence. Share the air. Raise all voices.
2. Improve the discussion. Be sure your message adds to the conversation. Be respectful of the topics and people discussing them.
3. Be agreeable, even when you disagree. You may wish to respond to something by disagreeing with it, and that’s fine. But remember to criticize ideas, not people. Please avoid:

• Name-calling or personal attacks.
• Responding to the tone of a message or post instead of its actual content.
• Knee-jerk contradictions.

Instead, provide reasoned counter-arguments that improve the conversation. Discussions should be undertaken with respect, acknowledging that there may be no right answer.
And if you do mess up on any of these guidelines, don’t panic—we all make mistakes sometimes. Apologize, reflect, and move forward.

4. If you see a problem, raise it. On the Community Forum, you can flag a problem and if enough flags accrue, moderators will take action. If the offending communication is on another platform, bring the issue to the attention of a manager. When you see offensive behavior, remember that replying or engaging only acknowledges the behavior and allows it to consume your energy and time.
5. Always be civil. Nothing sabotages a healthy conversation like rudeness. It is important be aware of tone, whether written or verbal.

• Don’t post anything that a reasonable person would consider offensive, abusive, or hate speech.
• Respect each other. Don’t harass or grief anyone, impersonate people, or expose their private information.

Thank you to Lucianne Walkowicz, the Data Science Fellowship Program for contributing resource documents and language to this policy.

Meetings Code of Conduct >