Interim CoC

This is an interim Code of Conduct.

This page will be replaced with the full Rubin Professional Conduct Manual when it is released.

Interim Code of Conduct

Rubin Observatory enforces the AURA Harassment and Code of Conduct Policy.

Harassment and unprofessional conduct (including the use of offensive language) of any kind is not permitted at any time.

Our values

Rubin Observatory adheres to the following principles to provide a welcoming and supportive environment that produces scientific rigor and excellence.

• We believe that acting with and encouraging kindness welcomes and strengthens individuals, relationships, and communities.
• We think that a welcoming and collaborative environment is best achieved when there is mutual trust, based upon honest behavior, throughout the community.
• We honor alternate viewpoints as opportunities for discussion and learning, and therefore treat others with respect, even if we disagree.
• We believe differences between people are recognized and acknowledged as assets. Our community is stronger, more creative, and more innovative because it is fueled by a broad range of ideas and perspectives contributed by people of different backgrounds. We welcome contributions from people no matter who they are or where they come from.
• We recognize the importance of actively including and encouraging involvement from all corners; diverse contributions will only happen if all members feel empowered to participate. Quoting from the American Astronomical Society Code of Ethics: "Scientists should work to provide an environment that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas. They should promote equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all their colleagues, regardless of gender, race, ethnic and national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, etc. Scientific ability must be respected wherever it is found."

Inclusive environment

We firmly reject all kinds of abusive behavior, and work towards providing a welcoming, safe environment that encourages the free expression and exchange of ideas. Everyone is expected to make their individual contributions to the community respectful and inclusive. Any discriminatory behavior against colleagues on any basis, such as gender, gender identity, race, ethnic background, national origin (including Indigenous Peoples), religion, political affiliation, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities, or any other reason will not be tolerated.

All members of the Rubin community are advised to be mindful and respectful of cultural differences between participants. People come from many countries with very different cultural backgrounds and languages, it is everyone’s duty to make sure everybody feels welcome.

Reporting violations

If you experience or witness a violation of the Rubin CoC, please report it.

• For members of the LSST Science Collaborations, your collaboration might have a CoC contact, ombudsperson, or spokesperson who should be your first point of contact.
• For attendees of a Rubin Community Workshop, refer to the contacts listed on that particular RCW's Code of Conduct webpage.
• Otherwise, please reach out to the Rubin Observatory Operations Director Bob Blum, or Deputy Director Phil Marshall.

References

This interim CoC language has been adapted from the CoC for the 2024 Rubin Community Workshop. Thank you to Lucianne Walkowicz and Federica Bianco for contributing resource documents and language to the original RCW 2024 CoC.