EXPLR & National STEM Festival Communities – Digital and In-Person Engagement Code of Conduct
Effective Date: 4 September 2025
As a participant in the EXPLR & National STEM Festival Communities, you may take part in digital spaces (e.g., Uscreen Community, livestreams, discussion threads) and in-person activities (e.g., roundtables, summits, networking). These guidelines apply to all community spaces and events hosted, co-hosted, or facilitated by EXPLR.
By participating, you agree to the terms below. Violations may result in restricted access or removal.
1. Shared Purpose
Our communities exist to advance education, career-connected learning, digital credentialing, student engagement, innovation, and industry cooperation that aligns learning with future workforce needs. Participate in ways that support this mission and contribute constructively.
2. Who This Includes
Students (ages 13–18), educators, mentors, alumni, sponsors/partners, and EXPLR staff/volunteers. If you are under 18, use a display name (first name or nickname) and do not share personal contact details.
3. Behavioral Expectations
Be respectful and professional: Keep a courteous tone. Harassment, bullying, hate speech, personal attacks, discriminatory or inflammatory language are not allowed. Off-topic debates about politics, religion, or unrelated ideology are not permitted.
Keep it welcoming and safe: Support an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and identities.
Engage thoughtfully: Ask questions, offer insights, and allow space for diverse voices. Tag peers thoughtfully; avoid spamming or derailing threads.
Youth safety: Interactions with students must be educational, appropriate, and free from personal, political, or commercial agendas. Any behavior that could be construed as exploitative, suggestive, intimidating, or otherwise harmful will result in immediate removal.
No off-platform contact with minors: Adults (including mentors, sponsors, and staff) may not initiate direct messages, request personal contact details, or move conversations with minors to private channels. Report any requests to do so.
4. Content Standards
Stay on topic: Focus on education, workforce readiness, credentialing, student projects, innovation, and industry-aligned partnerships.
No spam or self-promotion: Unrelated services, products, or events are prohibited without prior written approval from EXPLR.
Share meaningfully: Post original, high-value content (e.g., project updates, reflections, event recaps, resources). Avoid excessive posting or duplicate threads.
No personal data in posts: Do not share your or others’ full name, phone, personal email, home/school address, precise location, schedules, or private accounts. If in doubt, don’t post it.
5. Privacy, Safety & Intellectual Property
Respect privacy: Do not share screenshots, photos, or identifying information from private groups, sessions, or events without explicit permission from the individual(s) and EXPLR.
No unauthorized recording: Recording of livestreams, roundtables, or gatherings requires written approval from EXPLR. Summaries or clips may not be published without prior consent.
Ownership of your work: You retain ownership of your original content. By posting to EXPLR platforms or events, you grant EXPLR a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, edit, and distribute your content for educational and promotional purposes. Republishing EXPLR-edited materials requires EXPLR’s prior consent.
Reporting & takedowns: If you see something unsafe or need content removed, use the platform’s report tools or email assistant@explr-media.com. Parents/guardians of minors may request removals consistent with our policies.
6. Representation & Conflicts of Interest
EXPLR may remove or reassign participants where a conflict could compromise the integrity or perceived impartiality of the communities.
7. Brand Alignment & Disassociation
Participation is contingent upon alignment with EXPLR’s mission, youth protection, legal obligations, and ethical standards. EXPLR may limit or revoke visibility, participation, or brand association where actions or affiliations conflict with these commitments.
8. Moderation & Enforcement
Administration rights: EXPLR may remove content or restrict participants who violate these guidelines at its discretion, with or without notice. This includes digital access, event invitations, and participation in future programming.
Three-step approach (guideline): (1) Notice/warning where appropriate, (2) temporary restriction, (3) removal. Severe or safety-critical violations may be escalated immediately.
Policy updates: Guidelines may be updated periodically. Material changes will be communicated in-platform or by email.
9. Age & Eligibility
Community participation is for ages 13+ and subject to applicable laws (including GDPR/COPPA, as relevant). Additional consent or verification may be required for minors by region. See EXPLR’s Privacy Policy for details.
