The Society for Seventeenth-Century Music
Ethics Policy
Society of Seventeenth-Century Music
Guidelines for Ethical Conduct
Introduction
The Society for Seventeenth-Century Music was established for the purpose of promoting the study and performance of music and related arts of the seventeenth century. We are committed to the principles of inclusion and access and to providing a harassment-free environment in-person and online. We reject discrimination against anyone on the basis of race, color, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, nationality or national origin, age, marital status, gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, political beliefs or affiliation, physical ability or disability, scholarly methodology or fields of study, parental or caregiver status, rank, or employment status. The values delineated in this policy are designed to foster civil discourse and the free exploration of ideas and concepts with respect for the rights, dignity, and inherent worth of all persons.
Best Practices
All people participating in official SSCM meetings and online spaces are expected to:
- Follow norms of professional respect necessary to promote free academic exchange.
- Be empathetic: consider how words, sounds, and images might impact a range of listeners and readers.
- Familiarize yourself with all relevant guidelines and policies before engaging with our annual meeting or in our online spaces.
Definition of Harassment
Harassment is behavior that demeans, humiliates, or threatens an individual on the basis of their race, color, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, nationality or national origin, age, marital status, gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, political beliefs or affiliation, physical ability or disability, scholarly methodology or fields of study, parental or caregiver status, rank, or employment status.
Behavior constitutes harassment if it is severe (e.g., unwanted physical contact) or pervasive (e.g., persistent). Petty slights, annoyances, and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious) will not rise to the level of harassment.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature or consensual personal and social relationships without a discriminatory effect. Sexual harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome and that is personally intimidating, hostile, or offensive.
Intake and Investigation of Complaints
Complaints about harassment in SSCM online spaces or at our annual meeting will be taken seriously. These complaints should be directed to the President of SSCM or a member of the SSCM board. The board will seek further information and, if warranted, will take commensurate action.
The wording of some segments of this document has been based on or adapted from policies of the American Musicological Society, IASPM-US, the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
SSCM Annual Meeting, Yale University, April 3-6, 2025
SSCM Membership
Research Award for Diversity and Inclusion
Applications are now being accepted for the Research Award for Diversity and Inclusion. The award supports underrepresented scholars at early stages of their careers, as well as topics of research that are underrepresented in the field of seventeenth-century music. Read more and submit your application.
Travel Grant
Applications are now being accepted for the Travel Grant for the 2025 Conference. The Travel Grant is awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who wish to attend the Annual Conference and who receive little or no support from their institutions. Read more and submit your application.
Donate in Memory of Antonia Banducci
The SSCM welcomes any gift in memory of Antonia Banducci. Such contributions will be added to the Society's endowment, a fund generously supported by Antonia herself as part of her long commitment to the growth and future health of the SSCM. Make your donation here.
