Purpose

The American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) is committed to providing a respectful environment free from harassment, discrimination, retaliation, intimidation and disruptive behavior for all our members, staff, residents, veterinary and graduate students, speakers, exhibitors, guests, and volunteers. Such conduct will not be tolerated. ACVP members and those associated with this organization are role models for personal and professional ethical standards as set forth in the ACVP Code of Professional Ethics and enforced by the ACVP Code of Conduct Policy. Standards also are stated for the veterinary profession in the Veterinarian’s Oath and the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.

Definitions

• Harassment/Discrimination includes, but is not limited to, verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of the individual’s age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, membership in the armed forces, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Application

This policy extends to all ACVP-related settings, including but not limited to:

• Annual Meeting, including scientific sessions, pre- and post-meeting workshops, exhibitions, tours and social events
• Board of Directors teleconferences and meetings
• Committee and Task Force teleconferences and meetings
• Certifying examination 

Article III, Section 5. Disciplinary Action Any Member or individual granted Certification and alleged to have engaged in improper behavior, including, but not be limited, to unethical conduct or professional fraud, is subject to Disciplinary Action. Accuser(s) must present documentation of the allegation(s) to the BOD which, upon a majority vote, shall direct the President to appoint an ad hoc Hearing Panel consisting of five Diplomate or Emeritus Members in good standing, including both specialties, and none of whom shall be acquainted with any of the persons or circumstances at issue to the greatest extent possible. The Hearing Panel shall appoint its own chair and establish its own procedures but shall convene within 30 days of its appointment to consider the allegations and supporting documentation. During the procedures, the accused Member shall have the right to address the Hearing Panel but not confront the accuser(s). The Hearing Panel shall provide a recommendation to the President for, or against, disciplinary action and a recommended disciplinary action. The Hearing Panel also has the authority to determine that the allegations are unfounded in which case the issue is closed, and the accused Member shall remain a Member in good standing provided he or she has met all the other requirements of a Member in good standing. The President shall present the Hearing Panel’s recommendation to the BOD, which shall determine the appropriate course of action within 30 days. Disciplinary actions include censure, or suspension or termination of Certification or Membership. The BOD may impose conditions or require corrective actions necessary to reinstate Certification or Membership in good standing. Any Member on whom the BOD has imposed disciplinary action may appeal the adverse decision to the Appeals  Committee (Article VIII).