AAP is committed to providing a respectful environment for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, socioeconomic status, religious or political affiliation, ability status, age, size or appearance or other personal characteristics. The Professional Environment Policy (PEP) Committee has been created to foster the above goals. View the PEP Policy here.

The current members of AAP’s PEP Committee are Elena Scher (Chair),Tyler Beach, Ronda Bostick, Hannah Hawkins-Esther and Carrie Phillips.

Persons who experience harm at an AAP sponsored event may consider whether they can communicate directly with the person who said or did something hurtful or get help from colleagues to communicate their experience.

• Individuals and dyads may seek consultation and mediation from trusted peers whom they choose, to help relationships work toward effective communication and repair.
• Access support resources at live AAP meetings to get help feeling safe or to respond constructively.
• Engage a more thorough organizational response by submitting a PEP report.

On-site immediate support resources include two first responder OMBUDS designated by the event Chairs, will be available onsite at every in-person conference to assist and consult with individuals about taking steps to feel safe for the duration
of the event. Ombuds’ contact information will be provided to attendees at the start of each AAP sponsored event.
Ombuds are empowered by AAP to take steps including but not limited to:

• Providing a support person to escort or check in with the person during the meeting.
• Finding an accommodation at a different table, workshop, or group for either party without warning or refund.
• Confronting a behavior with the permission of the person who feels aggrieved so that it
  does not escalate or repeat for the remainder of the meeting
• In cases of emergency, calling venue security or 911 and communicating with the President and the Chair of the PEP Consultation Committee (PEPCC) or designated PEPCC member.

An attendee of AAP sponsored event who has experienced harm that outweighs what is handled and resolved during an event may also choose to submit a formal PEP report at www.aapweb.com/report

They may direct their report to the PEPCC or Outside PEP Consultant (OC). Our OC is contracted by the President with EC’s approval to offer a confidential reporting process to participants who feel uncomfortable making an internal report. A PEP report must be filed within 12 months following the incident.

After receiving a PEP report, a member of the PEPCC, or the OC will interview the reporter as well as the other individuals involved in the possible violation of the PEP, including witnesses in some cases. The reporting party’s identity will be kept confidential, until the time that they consent to engage others as needed, including the person who caused the grievance, the PEPCC, Consultant, and Executive Officers Committee (ExCom). The PEPCC includes members serving on AAP’s Personal Boundaries, Anti-racism, and Ethics Committees as well as other long-term members chosen and vetted by the Committee. Current members can be found here. ExCom members include the current, and past and incoming presidents, treasurer and secretary. If an individual has concerns about members of the PEPCC or ExCom because of perceived conflicts of interest, they may request those persons to recuse themselves. It is also expected that anyone serving on the PEPCC or ExCom who finalizes the corrective actions to be taken, who perceives a conflict of interest with either party will recuse themselves. The minimum number of PEPCC members must be three (3) to deliberate effectively.