Equity and Diversity Statement at CIAC

At CIAC, we are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that it is of the utmost importance to provide and promote a safe space for all participants, including delegates and staffers. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and identities enriches our discussions, strengthens our resolutions, and reflects the real-world dynamics of international relations. Model UN provides a forum for respectful debate, moving speeches, and purposeful cooperation. However, it can risk permitting hurtful and harmful behavior. Violating this policy or intentionally creating an environment at CIAC that is hostile or unwelcoming will result in disciplinary action, including a warning, being barred from receiving delegate awards, or removal from the conference. Delegations will only be penalized as a whole if there is a clear disregard for handling the behavior in violation of this policy. The following behavior will not be tolerated at CIAC:

  • Any speech, resolution, directive, crisis note, or other action that is aimed at encouraging violence against any group of people based on any aspect of their identity.

  • Racist language, including, but not limited to, islamophobia, antisemitism, and xenophobia.

  • Sexist or misogynistic language that is harmful to women, non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals.

  • Any form of speech or piece of writing that is harmful to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Any speech, resolution, directive, crisis note, or other action that encourages or employs stereotypes against any country or group or people.

  • Any speech, resolution, directive, crisis note, or other action that minimizes or dismisses human suffering or atrocities committed against persons in the present and in the past. This includes, but is not limited to, genocide, war, and dictatorship.

  • Any speech or other action at the conference that discriminates against any delegate based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability status, sexuality, etc.

  • Any speech or other action at the conference that does not appropriately accommodate any accessibility needs that a delegate or staff member has.

  • Any other actions deemed inappropriate or offensive by the CIAC Secretariat.

These rules and regulations apply to all scheduled conference events, including, but not limited to, committee sessions and socials.

Our Commitment:

  1. Inclusivity: We strive to create a welcoming environment where every participant feels valued, respected, and heard. We encourage open dialogue and constructive engagement among delegates from diverse backgrounds.

  2. Accessibility: We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all participants, including those with disabilities. We provide accommodations and support to ensure everyone can fully engage in our conference activities.

  3. Equity: We recognize and address systemic barriers that may hinder equal participation and opportunity. Our policies and practices aim to promote fairness and equity in every aspect of our conference, from committee assignments to leadership roles.

  4. Respect: We uphold the principles of mutual respect and dignity. Discrimination, harassment, and any form of disrespectful behavior are not tolerated at CIAC. We encourage a culture of empathy and understanding among all participants.

  5. Education and Awareness: We actively promote education on equity, diversity, and inclusion issues within the context of global affairs. Our workshops, panels, and resources encourage delegates to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of global challenges.

Agreement:

  • The Cornell International Affairs Conference (CIAC) is devoted to promoting equity and inclusivity. It is our goal that delegates with diverse backgrounds and experiences participate in engaging and thoughtful debates. CIAC strictly forbids any form of discrimination or bias.

  • Any incidents involving sexual violence, violence, harassment, bullying, or discrimination will be met with strong disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of the infraction.

  • By attending CIAC, all participants understand and agree to follow these guidelines and procedures.

  • Please direct any questions or concerns to a member of the CIAC Secretariat.

Reporting Violations:

If you would like to report a suspected violation of our guidelines, you can do this in several ways. You can fill out our complaint form. This will be reviewed by a member of the Secretariat. This form can be submitted anonymously or with contact information.

For any concerns regarding delegate behavior during committee sessions, you can also speak to the committee chair or other members of the dais, who will work to solve the issue within the committee and relay the information to a member of the Secretariat who will help when necessary. 

Any behavior that violates our guidelines can also be reported to a member of the Secretariat in person.