Diversity and Inclusivity

The Association of Internet Researchers is committed to supporting diversity and inclusivity both within internet research and beyond. The following statements outline the Association’s commitment to diversity in the forms of non-discrimination (Statement of Principles) and inclusivity (Statement of Inclusivity).

AoIR Statement of Principles

The Association of Internet Researchers is committed to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity.

It is the policy of the Association of Internet Researchers, its members and executive officers, not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity or nationality, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status. The policy applies to treatment in the association’s online forums as well as at its conferences and in other activities. Complaints of discrimination or harassment should be directed to an officer of the association’s executive committee at the AoIR member’s discretion.

[This Statement of Principles was adopted unanimously by the Executive Committee 31 March 2003; revised 8 March 2014]

AoIR Statement of Inclusivity

The Association of Internet Researchers is committed to the inclusion and recognition of all members regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity or nationality, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status. We affirm the worth and dignity of every member of the Association. We respect that our membership reflects a variety of perspectives and a wide range of lived experiences. We believe that the affirmation of this diversity is of both intrinsic and instrumental value. Moreover, we believe that making visible diverse contributions leads to richer debates and knowledge in the area of internet research and beyond.

To this end, we seek to foster inclusivity and diversity within our membership and throughout Association activities such as our annual conference. We are committed to supporting a wide range of identities and social, cultural, and political needs in the development and planning of Association activities. This support includes (but is not limited to):

• Practicing non-discrimination in the Association’s online forums as well as at its conferences and other activities (per the AoIR Statement of Principles);
• Increasing access to opportunities both within and without the Association for all its members;
• Working to reduce physical, social, and economic barriers to participation in Association activities;
• Cultivating an awareness of the ways in which various social, cultural, political, or economic privileges are, at any given time, accessible to some members of the Association and not others; and
• Developing a civil and collegial environment rooted in a belief of equal respect for all persons. Such an environment, among other things, should encourage active listening and awareness of inappropriate or offensive language.

[This Statement of Inclusivity was adopted unanimously by the Executive Committee 8 August 2014]