“Respect the person, challenge the idea.” The Pacific Hackers Association (PHA) is built on curiosity, mentorship, and the "Hacker Spirit." We believe that a community is strongest when it includes a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. Show respect and tolerance for each other's uniqueness. Practice the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.

PHA has ZERO TOLERANCE for physical, verbal, or sexual harassment, intimidation, or marginalization. Any action, behavior, or speech that causes significant interference with operations or creates a hostile environment for participants, venues, or the public is strictly forbidden.

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Simply Put: Do not be a "jerk," or you will be removed.

We are a community of professionals, hobbyists, and learners. We conduct ourselves with integrity.

• Be Kind: Do not insult or put down other participants.

• Constructive Disagreement: Radical viewpoints are welcome, and skepticism is encouraged. However, differentiate between attacking an argument and attacking the person.

• Heckling vs. Questioning: Asking questions to gain clarity or to disagree is encouraged; haranguing or "gatekeeping" presenters is not.

• Ethical Boundaries: Do not engage in unauthorized "live" hacking against participants, the venue, or staff. Keep your curiosity within legal and ethical bounds.

Harassment and exclusionary behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Discriminatory Language: Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist jokes/slurs.

• Doxing: Posting (or threatening to post) other people's personally identifying information.

• Unwanted Recording: Inappropriate photography or recording. If someone asks you to stop, you must STOP immediately.

• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual attention or displaying sexually explicit/violent material.

• Intimidation: Stalking, following, or sustained disruption of talks and workshops.

• Gatekeeping: Discriminating against others based on their level of technical expertise, especially beginners or those from non-traditional backgrounds.

If you witness or experience behavior inconsistent with this Code of Conduct, please take action:

• In-Person: Report immediately to a staff member or a Safety Ops Team member (look for PHA-branded gear).

• Online/Discord: Use the designated #report channel or DM a Moderator.

• Email: For non-immediate or sensitive concerns, email conduct@pacifichackers.org.

• Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with discretion and investigated by the PHA Board or Event Leads.

- PHA hosts a variety of events, including our flagship Pacific Hackers Conference, monthly meetups, workshops, and special events focused on cutting-edge techniques, research, and developments in cybersecurity.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. PHA reserves the right to respond to violations in any manner deemed appropriate, including:

1. A formal warning.

2. Expulsion from the event/property without a refund.

3. A permanent ban from PHA digital spaces (Discord, Slack, etc.).

4. Referral to local law enforcement if laws are broken.

By participating in PHA events (physical or digital), you acknowledge that you have read and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. You assume all risks incidental to the event and release PHA and its staff from claims arising from your presence there.