Members Code of Conduct

Adopted on: 03/06/2023
Last Updated: 08/12/2025

Code of Conduct Statement
The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) is dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for all participants in our programs, events, and online platforms. Harassment, discrimination, or any form of inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. Violations may result in immediate removal and restrictions from future BEA activities, including those hosted in partnership with affiliated organizations. We ask all attendees, speakers, program participants, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and collaborators to uphold these standards at every BEA event or activity, whether in person, virtual, or co-hosted with a partner organization.

Professional Environment
BEA events are professional spaces. We expect all participants to:

· Communicate and behave in a manner appropriate for a diverse professional audience.
· Act with courtesy, awareness, and sound judgment.
· Refrain from any form of harassment, discrimination, or unwelcome behaviour.
· Respect the dignity, identity, and preferences of all participants.

What is Harassment?
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

· Offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.
· Sexual images in public spaces.
· Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwanted following.
· Non-consensual photography or recording.
· Sustained disruption of event proceedings.
· Inappropriate physical contact.
· Public shaming (as provocation or retaliation).
· Unwelcome sexual attention.

All attendees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, partners, and volunteers are subject to this Code of Conduct. Exhibitors must take care to avoid sexualized images, language, or activities in promotional materials and displays.

When participating, please:

· Avoid sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes.
· Use correct names and pronouns for others.
· Avoid excessive swearing at professional events.

Prohibited Behaviors
The following conduct will not be tolerated:

· Offensive comments, jokes, or remarks related to any protected characteristic.
· Use or display of sexualized images or materials.
· Intimidation, stalking, or unwanted following.
· Non-consensual photography, filming, or recording of individuals.
· Disruption of sessions, presentations, or networking activities.
· Inappropriate or non-consensual physical contact.
· Public shaming or targeted personal attacks.
· Unwelcome sexual attention or advances.
· Ignoring the identified gender and preferred pronouns of a participant.

If a participant is asked to stop inappropriate behaviour, they are expected to comply immediately. The BEA team reserves the right to remove individuals from any event or activity, including affiliated partner events, and to take further action such as restricting future participation.

Reporting Misconduct & Support
If you experience or witness harassment, discrimination, or any concerning behaviour:

In-person events: Speak to a BEA team member, identifiable by a BEA T-shirt or name tag.
Virtual events: Use the designated event chat or contact a BEA team member directly.
Reporting misconduct: Submit a report through our Contact Form: insert here when done.
Urgent matters: Include “Urgent” in your submission so it can be prioritized for immediate review and escalated to the BEA Manager, Olu Villasa.

Our team will take all necessary steps to protect your safety, which may include contacting security or local law enforcement, arranging safe transportation, or providing on-site support. All reports will be handled promptly, confidentially, and with the well-being of those affected as the priority.

Reporting a Code of Conduct Violation
To report a violation, please inform a BEA team member who is identifiable at events or activities by their BEA T-shirts, name tags, or listing as an event organizer on virtual platforms. All reports will remain confidential.

When reporting a violation, please collect as much information as possible. Information may include things like:

· The name, company, or organization of the individual involved.
· A description of the behaviour and how it violated the Code.
· The approximate time and location of the incident.
· Any supporting evidence, such as screenshots, links, recordings, or photos.
· Names of any witnesses.

A BEA team member will assist in documenting the incident and ensure appropriate follow-up. The BEA team is trained to address incidents with discretion, impartiality, and care. If at any time you feel unsafe, please contact 911 or ask a BEA staff member for assistance.

Enforcement & Consequences
Violations of this Code may result in:

· Verbal or written warnings.
· Removal from the event or activity without refund.
· Suspension or termination of membership or participation.
· Legal action where applicable.

BEA reserves the right to take immediate action to protect the safety and integrity of its community and that of its affiliated partner activities.

By engaging with BEA, you agree to uphold these standards and contribute to a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion. Together, we ensure BEA remains a trusted and empowering space for all..