Nonexistent Narwhal

An imaginary sea unicorn, and a set of events that celebrate all the interdisciplinary work in information security—policy, law, academia, and more.

Narwhal is entirely off the record.

What does off the record mean? That means no recording, quoting or repeating the content here, to anyone, with or without attribution. Violators will be dealt with as per our code of conduct. This is not the “Chatham House Rule.”

Code of Conduct

Diversity and inclusion are a significant portion of why Narwhal exists. We encourage participation from the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible and want to be very clear about where we stand. Our goal is to maintain a safe, helpful, and friendly community for everyone. This code and related procedures also apply to unacceptable behavior occurring outside the scope of community activities, in all community venues–online and in-person–as well as in all one-on-one communications, and anywhere such behavior has the potential to adversely affect the safety and well-being of community members. (In other words, if you’re a jerk, regardless of whether you’re a jerk in the space, you’ll be shown the door.)

Unacceptable behavior includes:

  • Nazi, fascist, or other imagery indicating a political viewpoint that begins with “X group aren’t human beings.” (We cannot believe that allegedly-major conferences can’t figure this one out, but it’s a hard line for us.)
  • Conduct or speech which might be considered sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory or offensive in nature.
  • Using unwelcome, suggestive, derogatory or inappropriate nicknames or terms.
  • Inappropriate attention or contact. Be aware of how your actions affect others. If it makes someone uncomfortable, stop.
  • Not understanding the differences between constructive criticism and disparagement.

Understand that speech and actions have consequences, and unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Usually, this intolerance will involve being directed to leave via the door. Unusually, this intolerance will involve being directed to leave via any semipermeable membrane. We’re not in the business of being civil to those who promote dehumanizing behavior, so if we tell you to leave, we mean it. We have far too many lawyers here to be interested in being told what you think the First Amendment says.

If you are the subject of, or witness to any violations of this Code of Conduct, please contact us by emailing coc@narwhal.be, or contact any staff member (wearing staff badges).

Derived from the Slack Community Code of Conduct (CC-SA), but updated to add that we hate Nazis.