Harassment and Safety Policy

The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) is dedicated to providing a safe, hospitable, and productive environment for MDS members participating in MDS groups, meetings, and events, regardless of age, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, physical appearance, gender, or sexual orientation. Additionally, MDS prohibits intimidating, threatening, or harassing conduct during our MDS activities, including those sponsored by other organizations held in conjunction with the MDS International Congress. All participants, including, but not limited to, leadership, members, delegates, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff (including venue staff), contractors, vendors, other service providers, and anyone else participating in MDS activities, are expected to abide by this policy.

Members and participants violating these rules may be subject to sanctions or expulsion from MDS activities without warning and may also be required to forfeit registration and/or membership fees. Additionally, they may be excluded from future MDS participation at the discretion of MDS leadership.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact MDS staff, who can work with appropriate MDS leadership to address the situation.

Need to file a complaint? Please contact the MDS Executive Director, Jennie Socha: jsocha@movementdisorders.org.