The OLF Conference, presented by the Ohio LinuxFest Corporation, is dedicated to making Open Source open to everyone and the conference a safe place for all. We do not discriminate based on ethnic background, religion, gender, sexuality, body shape, disability, or even what operating system you use. We do not tolerate harassment based on discrimination.
We insist that all participants and attendees adhere to a civil demeanor at all times. This includes refraining from inappropriate language, comments and behavior. This includes, but is not limited to: sexually oriented language and images, unwanted attention, threatening behavior, physical assault, theft.
We refuse to work with businesses who openly tolerate discrimination or harassment of others, or display inappropriate images or language. Sponsors in our Expo are also held to this standard.
In compliance with various Ohio law pertaining to hotels, establishments with alcohol permits, and educational spaces with minors, weapons will be prohibited. Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto these premises.
COVID-19 Specific Policy
All attendees must adhere to the 2024 COVID-19 Safety Plan and Attendance Policy, which requires that you perform a self-screening before attending. Disrespect and belligerent behavior concerning the COVID plan or anyone’s personal choice to wear a mask will not be tolerated.
Due to pandemic conditions, one’s comfort level with personal space may vary. Some of us are ready for handshakes and hugs. Others are not quite there. Please be respectful of others’ desires in this regard.
Reporting
Participants, sponsors or attendees who are being harassed, intimidated, or are dealing with otherwise improper behavior are encouraged to report it immediately to an official OLF staff member or volunteer. Staff can be recognized by the yellow OLF polo shirts they will be wearing. These are Vance Kochenderfer, Beth Lynn Eicher, Rafeeq Rehman, Michael Schultheiss, and Sam Javor and are trained to contact the appropriate people to handle the situation quickly.
Alternate methods of reporting issues include:
- email team@ohiolinux.org
- call our number 614-973-3733
- pickup any house phone within the Hyatt Regency Columbus or adjacent Greater Columbus Convention Center and ask for “security”
- Call the local Columbus police department at 614-645-4545
Anyone who is found to be in violation of this policy may be handled in any one or more of these methods, depending on the offense:
- warning
- expulsion (see below)
- contacting of the police
- Actions stronger than a warning will be taken at the discretion of two or more of a) the Security Chair, b) the Conference Chair, c) a member of the Ohio LinuxFest Board of Directors.
False reports will be treated harshly. Personal disputes should be handled privately, unless actual harassment occurs.
The Ohio LinuxFest Corporation reserves the right to remove any participant, sponsor or attendee at any time for any reason.
This policy covers all organized events for the OLF Conference, including social events and events held on the Internet.