Submit an AllegationIf one is subject to or witnesses prohibited behavior, they should notify either a member of the Ethics Committee (see below), a Society member with a designated leadership position (e.g., President, field trip leader, etc.), an individual holding such a position at an affiliate meeting where the incident occurred, or an individual holding such positions at institutions where the incident occurred. Society members acting in leadership positions, whether for an established term (e.g., elected officials, committee members, etc.) or temporarily (e.g., field trip leaders, session organizers, etc.) are required to report any incidences of prohibited behavior that they directly witness or have reported to them to the Ethics Committee to ensure that all parties involved receive appropriate consideration and follow-up. Anyone subject to or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public or individual safety or a criminal act should contact local law enforcement. Those witnessing a potential criminal act should also take actions necessary to maintain their own personal safety. For information about how to submit an allegation report using the secure NAVEX online conduct reporting platforms, please click here. Allegations of misconduct by Paleontological Society members or event attendees must be submitted using officially designated online platforms, in writing either directly to any member of the Paleontological Society Council, a member of the Ethics Committee, or directly to the email address of the Ethics Committee in order for an investigation to be opened. Written allegations may also be mailed to: Chair of Ethics Committee In advance of potential submission of an allegation, members of the Ethics Committee will also be available to speak about alleged misconduct and the investigation process, but written documentation will be required to initiate an investigation. All documents and information pertaining to such allegations should be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality by those involved in the investigation process insofar as said confidentiality would not reasonably interfere with law enforcement related to such an incident or result in physical, professional, or psychological harm to any party during the course of the investigation or outside of the scope of any sanctions, should they be applied. Individuals involved in a reported incident of alleged misconduct, including victims, witnesses, and those alleged to have engaged in prohibited behavior(s), will not engage in retaliatory behavior during or after the reporting process. Engaging in retaliatory behavior will be deemed a breach of these guidelines. If allegations pertain to criminal activity or pose a reasonable risk to public safety, the allegation(s) will be reported to the appropriate authorities. |