Code of conduct
How we expect each other to behave, online and in person, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Adopted by the Council on November 7, 2026. Applies to all members and to anyone taking part in ASRU activities.
Our commitment
ASRU brings together people of different backgrounds, ages and levels of experience. We want every one of them to be able to take part without harassment or discrimination, whatever their age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or level of knowledge.
What we expect
- Be considerate and patient. Many members are new to astronomy, to programming, or to working in English.
- Disagree about ideas, not about people. Criticize work constructively and specifically.
- Credit other people’s work, inside and outside the Union.
- Respect the licenses and conditions of the data and images we use.
- Respect people’s privacy. Do not share personal information, images or messages without permission.
What is not acceptable
- Harassment, intimidation or threats, in any form and in any channel.
- Insults, slurs and demeaning jokes.
- Unwelcome sexual attention or contact.
- Deliberately disrupting meetings, discussions or work.
- Publishing someone’s private information without their consent.
At observing sessions and expeditions
Observing together comes with its own courtesies:
- Use only dim red light near telescopes and other observers. Ask before using any white light, including phone screens.
- Do not fly drones or shine lasers near observatories or other observers.
- Follow the rules set by the people who look after the places we visit, including restricted areas and opening hours.
- Treat places that are sacred or culturally important to local communities with respect. Follow local guidance, stay on marked roads and paths, and take nothing away.
- Leave every site as you found it.
Reporting a problem
If you experience or witness behavior that breaks this code, write to ethics@asru.org. Reports are read by the Council member responsible for membership and one other Council member. If a report concerns either of them, it is passed to two other Council members instead.
We will acknowledge your report within three days, keep it confidential as far as we can, and tell you what we have decided to do.
What happens next
Depending on what happened, the Council may talk to the people involved, issue a warning, exclude someone from an activity, or remove a member under Article 3.5 of the bylaws. Anyone affected by a decision may ask the Council to review it.