Code of Conduct

McHacks aims to be a hackathon where all participants and volunteers feel welcome, included, respected and safe. All attendees–including sponsors, students, speakers, judges, volunteers, and organizers–are therefore required to abide by the following code of conduct at all times.

Summary

Our hackathon is dedicated to providing a harassment-free space for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, race, or religion.

We do not tolerate harassment in any form from participants. Sexual language and inappropriate imagery is not appropriate for submitted projects or at any time or place during the event, including talks, workshops, receptions, and online media. Attendees violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event at the discretion of the event organizers. Any events that violate the McHacks Code of Conduct should be reported as specified in the procedures at the end of the document.

Additionally, attendees are expected to comply with the Major League Hacking (MLH) code of conduct all times.

Full Version

Harassment includes, but is not limited to: offensive written posts, comments or messages related to gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, race, religion; sexual or graphic images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking, following, harassing; photography or video recording someone without their consent; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.

Participants exhibiting any of these harmful behaviours will be asked to stop immediately. Sponsors, speakers, volunteers and organizers are also expected to follow the anti-harassment policy. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualized images, ctivities, or other graphic materials. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

In addition, hacks or projects submitted by teams that violate this code may be disqualified or denied the right to demo at the discretion of the event organizers.

Photography is encouraged, but participants must be given a reasonable chance to opt out from being photographed. If they object to being photographed, please comply with their request. It is inappropriate to take photographs in contexts where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, for example if you do not have a participant’s consent to take a screenshot or picture of their screen.

If a participant engages in harmful behaviour, the event organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the perpetrator or expelling them from the event.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please follow the reporting procedures at the bottom of this document and report the incident immediately. Hackathon staff will be clearly identified and the Co-Directors can be reached at all times via the phone numbers below. We value your attendance and expect participants to follow these rules at hackathon and workshop venues and all related social events.

As we are in the midst of a global pandemic and McHacks is online, we require that participants respect their municipal/state/provincial/federal COVID-19 guidelines. The organizers of McHacks 11 will not be liable if participants break such rules. Every participant is liable for their own actions, words, comments, posts and online activities.

Reporting Procedures

If you feel uncomfortable or think there may be a potential violation of the code of conduct, please report it through the following methods. All reporters have the right to remain anonymous.

Please also don’t hesitate to contact any of the organizers or the security guard on duty at any time. You can get in direct touch with the Co-Directors at directors@mchacks.ca.

If you are uncomfortable reporting a potential violation to the Co-Directors for any reason, please message the MLH Coaches (MLH numbers will be available at the event) on hand for assistance.

If you are in need of emergency help, please contact the following resources immediately:

MLH Incident Reporting: (409) 202-6060

Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students’ Society (SACOMSS): (514) 398-8500

Montreal Police/Fire/Paramedics



Credit for this code of conduct go to the following codes of conduct:
  • Major League Hacking Code of Conduct
  • Hack Code of Conduct
  • Hack@Brown Code of Conduct
  • JustHack Code of Conduct
If you have any questions regarding this code of conduct, please contact contact@mchacks.ca. McHacks reserves itself the right to modify this code of conduct at any time.

Last modified on November 15, 2023.