Western New York Comic Arts, Inc. (WNYCA), is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive event experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. WNYCA takes violations of our policy seriously and will respond appropriately.
All participants of WNYCA events must abide by the following policy:
Be excellent to each other. We want our events to be an excellent experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category. Treat everyone with respect. Participate while acknowledging that everyone deserves to be here and each of us has the right to enjoy our experience without fear of harassment, discrimination, or condescension, whether blatant or via micro-aggressions. Jokes shouldn’t demean others. Consider what you are saying and how it would feel if it were said to or about you.
Speak up if you see or hear something. Harassment is not tolerated, and you are empowered to politely engage when you or others are disrespected. The person making you feel uncomfortable may not be aware of what they are doing, and politely bringing their behavior to their attention is encouraged. If a participant engages in harassing or uncomfortable behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any concerns, please contact an event volunteer immediately. In the event of an emergency, you may also call 911.
Harassment is not tolerated. Harassment includes, but is not limited to: verbal language that reinforces social structures of domination related to gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category; sexual imagery in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; offensive verbal language; inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
This policy extends to all talks, workshops, expositions, social media, exhibits, hallway conversations, all attendees, exhibitors, partners, sponsors, volunteers, etc. WNYCA reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or remove any person from any WNYCA hosted event (including future WNYCA events) at any time in its sole discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, attendees behaving in a disorderly manner or failing to comply with this policy, and the terms and conditions herein. If a participant engages in harassing or uncomfortable behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event; exhibitors who violate this policy will have their tabling privileges revoked without refund.
Event volunteers can be identified by badges and t-shirts. The Welcome Table will always have at least one event volunteer present.
All reported incidents will be kept confidential and will be reviewed by WNYCA event organizers. Please note, while we take all concerns raised seriously, we will use our discretion as to determining when and how to follow up on reported incidents, and may decline to take any further action and/or may direct the participant to other resources for resolution.
Event volunteers will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing discomfort or harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.