AEA Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation

As stated in the AEA Code of Professional Conductthe AEA seeks to create a professional environment with equal opportunity and fair treatment for all economists, regardless of age, sex, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, health condition, marital status, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, professional status, or personal connections.

The AEA does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any of its activities.  Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:

  • Solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy despite expressions or indications that it is unwelcome
  • Solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy accompanied by real or implied threat of personal or professional harm
  • Intentionally intimidating, threatening, harassing, or abusive actions or remarks (both spoken and in other media)
  • Prejudicial actions or comments that undermine the principles of equal opportunity, fair treatment, or free academic exchange
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
  • Harassing photography or recording
  • Sustained or aggressive disruption of talks or other activities that undermine free academic exchange
  • Physical assault (including unwelcome touching or groping)
  • Real or implied threat of physical harm

It is also a violation of this policy to retaliate in any manner against a person who reports or files a complaint alleging harassment, discrimination, or retaliation prohibited by this policy or who assists in the investigation of such a report or complaint.

Individuals violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.  The AEA reserves the right to take such actions, including, but not limited to, removing an individual from participating in an AEA activity without warning, prohibiting an individual from participating in any future AEA activities, terminating an individual's AEA membership, and notifying an individual's employer. 

The AEA views it as the responsibility of each individual member to be proactive in helping to mitigate or avoid harm when the member witnesses any unacceptable behavior.

Learn how to file a formal complaint   View formal complaint procedures