Welcome to The SCHEMA Collective. We are dedicated to building a global Social Brain Network founded on mutual respect, open collaboration, and a shared pursuit of knowledge and innovation. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all participants, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.
1. Our Pledge
In the interest of fostering an open, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and healthy environment, we, the stewards and participants of SCHEMA, pledge to make participation in our network and community a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, body size, disability, ethnicity, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression, level of experience, education, socio-economic status, nationality, personal appearance, race, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.
We commit to acting and interacting in ways that contribute to an open, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and healthy community.
2. Our Standards: Expected Behaviors
Examples of behavior that contribute to a positive environment for our community include:
- Demonstrating empathy and kindness toward other people.
- Being respectful of differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences.
- Giving and gracefully accepting constructive feedback.
- Assuming good intent and striving for clear communication.
- Focusing on what is best not just for us as individuals, but for the overall collective.
- Showing appreciation and acknowledging the work of others.
- Helping create a learning environment where questions are encouraged.
3. Unacceptable Behaviors
The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable within our community:
- The use of sexualized language or imagery, and sexual attention or advances of any kind.
- Trolling, insulting or derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks.
- Public or private harassment, including doxxing (publishing others' private information without explicit consent).
- Discrimination based on any of the protected characteristics listed in Our Pledge.
- Incitement of violence or promoting hate speech.
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
- Unwelcome photography or recording (in applicable contexts like video calls or events).
- Sustained disruption of talks, discussions, or other events.
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
- Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional and collaborative setting.
4. Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to all spaces managed by SCHEMA, including (but not limited to) our Matrix server, forums, project repositories, issue trackers, mailing lists, official social media channels, and any in-person or online events hosted or endorsed by SCHEMA. It also applies to private communication when an individual is representing SCHEMA or its community.
5. Reporting Violations
If you are subject to or witness any violations of this Code of Conduct, or have any other concerns, please notify the SCHEMA Integrity Stewards (or a designated moderation team) as soon as possible. All reports will be reviewed and investigated promptly and fairly, and confidentiality will be respected to the extent possible.
You can report violations via:
- Email: conduct@schema.network (This is a private, monitored alias)
- Direct Message to a designated SCHEMA Agent or Architect on Matrix (list of contacts available on the Support Matrix page).
- Using in-platform reporting tools where available.
Reports should include, if possible: identifying information (name, Node ID, etc.) of the person(s) involved, a description of the behavior, the approximate time and place of the occurrence, and any supporting evidence or context.
6. Enforcement & Consequences
The SCHEMA Integrity Stewards (or moderation team) will determine, at their discretion, the consequences for any action they deem in violation of this Code of Conduct. Consequences may include, but are not limited to:
- A private warning.
- A public warning.
- Mediation or conflict resolution.
- Temporary suspension from specific SCHEMA channels or services.
- Permanent expulsion from the SCHEMA network and all associated platforms.
- Reporting to relevant authorities if illegal activity is involved.
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. We value the safety and well-being of our community above all else.
7. Attribution & Acknowledgment
This Code of Conduct is inspired by and adapts principles from several well-regarded open source and community codes of conduct, including the Contributor Covenant and others. We are grateful for their work in establishing standards for inclusive communities.
8. Evolution of This Protocol
This Code of Conduct is a living document and may be revised periodically to reflect the evolving needs and values of The SCHEMA Collective. Significant changes will be communicated to the community and may be subject to review through our governance process.
By participating in the SCHEMA network, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. We look forward to your constructive and respectful contributions to our shared endeavor.