The GTA Integrity Institute is a part of a Hungarian nonprofit think tank named Council on Geopolitics Public Benefit Foundation (in Hungarian: Geopolitikai Tanacs Kozhasznu Alapitvany – GTA) that values fairness, equality, respect for the law, and high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy. We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and abuse of any kind. The GTA Integrity Institute strives to create a professional environment for all and to build a community where individuals feel psychologically safe, respected, and empowered to participate fully. It prohibits harassment, intimidation, abuse, and bullying of any kind. This prohibition applies equally to all individuals regardless of role, seniority, or affiliation with the organization. “Stakeholder” includes all members, officers, directors, staff, sponsors, partners, volunteers, attendees, guests, speakers, contractors, and vendors. The GTA Integrity Institute seeks to have its officers, directors, members, volunteers, guests, and employees treat all individuals with dignity by upholding the values expressed in the GTA Oath. This Policy establishes:
- Our shared values as an organization;
- Our expectations for all people engaged in GTA Integrity Institute activities;
- The consequences for violating the Policy;
- Clear protocols for reporting, investigating, and resolving misconduct.
APPLICABILITY
This Policy applies to all GTA Integrity Institute officers, directors, members, volunteers, staff, and individuals participating in the GTA Integrity Institute’s programs, projects, events, and initiatives. The Policy applies regardless of location, including virtual environments, digital platforms, and social media interactions connected to GTA Integrity Institute activities. This Policy applies when: (a) participating in programs, events, and Institute-sponsored activities; (b) conducting GTA Integrity Institute business; and (c) representing the GTA Integrity Institute in any professional or public context. This Policy applies only to conduct occurring during GTA Integrity Institute programs, events, communications, and other Institute-sponsored or Institute-controlled activities, including virtual spaces and official platforms. The GTA Integrity Institute does not assume responsibility for conduct occurring outside of these contexts; however, such conduct may be considered where it directly affects participation in or the safety of GTA Integrity Institute activities. This Policy does not replace obligations outlined in the policies of a person’s employer organization.
DEFINITION OF HARASSMENT
Harassment includes unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Unwelcome verbal or written communication (e.g., slurs, epithets, microaggressions, derogatory jokes or inappropriate comments);
- Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for favors, or any conduct of a sexual nature that creates discomfort or pressure;
- Unwelcome visual displays (including digital imagery, memes, or videos);
- Physical conduct such as assault, unwanted touching, or blocking movement;
- Threats, coercion, or quid pro quo arrangements;
- Harassing conduct via online platforms, chat tools, or social media;
- Retaliation for having reported or threatened to report harassment.
DEFINITION OF BULLYING
Bullying includes repeated or severe behavior that intimidates, humiliates, or undermines an individual or group, including:
- Verbal abuse, insults, or ridicule;
- Deliberate exclusion or isolation;
- Undermining or sabotaging work or participation;
- Excessive or unreasonable criticism not related to constructive feedback. Intent is not required for behavior to be considered harassment or bullying; the effect on the recipient will be the primary consideration. A single, severe incident may also constitute bullying where its impact is significant.
REPORTING VIOLATIONS
The GTA Integrity Institute encourages complaints, concerns, or inquiries regarding illegal practices or violations of this Policy. Anyone with a concern about an GTA Integrity Institute member, officer, director, staff, volunteer, or guest should report the concern to info@geotan.hu. Concerns may also be reported to a member of the Curatoria or to the President of the Curatoria. Reports may be submitted anonymously where legally permissible. While the GTA Integrity Institute will review all anonymous reports, the ability to investigate and take action may be limited where insufficient information is provided or where the identity of the reporting party is unknown. Individuals are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible to support a thorough and fair review. All reports must be made in good faith. Regardless of whether the alleged offender is directly notified of the unwelcome nature of their conduct, GTA Integrity Institute employees and Stakeholders are encouraged to promptly report conduct prohibited under this Policy to enable appropriate review and response. Any GTA Integrity Institute Officer, Director, or managerial-level employee who witnesses or receives a report of conduct prohibited under this Policy must promptly report it to the Chief Executive Officer or Board Co-Chair.
INVESTIGATION PROCESS
Upon receiving a complaint of alleged misconduct, the GTA Integrity Institute will make reasonable efforts to review and assess the matter promptly, impartially, and based on available information. This may include reviewing documents, communications, or other evidence, and, where appropriate, speaking with individuals who may have relevant information. Where a report is made anonymously, the GTA Integrity Institute will evaluate the information provided; however, its ability to investigate, verify facts, or take action may be limited. The GTA Integrity Institute does not guarantee that every report will result in a formal investigation or specific outcome. The GTA Integrity Institute may take appropriate interim or precautionary measures, where necessary, to support a safe and respectful environment during review. Following review, the GTA Integrity Institute may take corrective or disciplinary action as deemed appropriate, in its discretion and consistent with its policies and governance structure. Reviews will be conducted in a manner intended to be fair, balanced, and respectful of all parties involved, based on the information available.
PROHIBITION AGAINST RETALIATION
The GTA Integrity Institute prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith complaint under this Policy or who participates in any review, inquiry, or investigation related to such a complaint. This protection applies regardless of the outcome of the complaint, provided it was made honestly and without malicious intent. Retaliation is a serious violation of this Policy and undermines the GTA GTA Integrity Institute’s commitment to a respectful and accountable community. Retaliation includes any adverse action taken against an individual because they reported misconduct concern, sought guidance, or participated in an investigation. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, exclusion from programs or activities, changes in responsibilities or opportunities, negative or unequal treatment, reputational harm, or other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from raising a concern. Retaliation may be overt or subtle, including indirect actions such as social exclusion or professional obstruction. The GTA Integrity Institute will take appropriate steps to review allegations of retaliation and, where warranted, impose corrective or disciplinary measures consistent with this Policy and the Institute’s governing documents. Any individual found to have engaged in retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from participation in GTA Integrity Institute programs, activities, or membership privileges.
DISCIPLINE
GTA Integrity Institute members who violate this Policy may be subject to disciplinary action commensurate with the nature, severity, and frequency of the conduct, including censure, suspension, or expulsion from membership, in accordance with this Policy, the GTA Integrity Institute Bylaws, and any applicable procedures. GTA Integrity Institute employees who violate this Policy may be disciplined following review of the relevant facts and circumstances. The GTA Integrity Institute reserves the discretion to determine the appropriate form of discipline in each case, consistent with its governing documents. The GTA Integrity Institute further reserves the right to remove or exclude any individual from an GTA Integrity Institute program, event, or activity where there is a reasonable concern regarding safety, disruption, or potential harm to participants or the organization, even before a full review is completed. Individuals who are not GTA Integrity Institute members and who violate the Policy may be excluded from participation in future GTA Integrity Institute programs, events, or initiatives at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Temporary exclusion pending review does not constitute a disciplinary finding. If no violation is substantiated, the Institute will notify the individual and lift any interim restrictions. Where appropriate and practicable, individuals subject to potential disciplinary action may be provided notice and an opportunity to be heard, consistent with the GTA Integrity Institute’s governing documents. However, the GTA Integrity Institute retains discretion to take immediate action where circumstances warrant. Disciplinary decisions of the Board of Directors shall be based on the information available following review and, where applicable, presentation of relevant information. All disciplinary determinations shall be made in good faith and, in a manner intended to protect the GTA Integrity Institute community and uphold its standards.
REINSTATEMENT
A member who has been disciplined, censured, or suspended will regain full membership privileges at the conclusion of the specified term, provided that any conditions associated with the disciplinary action have been satisfied. A member who has been expelled and seeks reinstatement must submit a new membership application and include a written explanation describing the steps taken to address the conduct that led to the expulsion and why reinstatement is appropriate. The Board of Directors will review the application and may, at its discretion, request additional information or clarification. In evaluating reinstatement, the Board may consider whether the applicant has demonstrated accountability, remediation, and alignment with the values of the GTA Integrity Institute, as well as whether reinstatement would be consistent with maintaining a safe, respectful, and reputable community. The Board retains full discretion to approve or deny reinstatement, and its determination shall be final. Individuals who are not GTA Integrity Institute members and who have been excluded from Institute programs, events, or initiatives may resume participation at the conclusion of the exclusion period, unless otherwise specified. Where exclusion is indefinite or permanent, such individuals may submit a written request for reconsideration to the Chief Executive Officer, which may be reviewed by the Board of Directors at its discretion. Whether a member or non-member, if no violation of this Policy is found following review, the Institute will notify the individual and lift any exclusion or restriction on participation.
EXPECTED CONDUCT
All individuals participating in GTA Integrity Institute programs, events, and initiatives, including members, officers, directors, staff, volunteers, attendees, and guests, are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and responsible manner that reflects the values of the GTA Integrity Institute. Individuals share a collective responsibility to contribute to an environment that is inclusive, constructive, and free from harassment, discrimination, bullying, and retaliation. Individuals are expected to engage with others in good faith, communicate respectfully, and support open and productive dialogue, even where differences of opinion exist. Individuals must refrain from engaging in conduct that undermines the GTA Integrity Institute’s values or disrupts its activities. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, harassment, including sexual harassment; discrimination; and bullying in any form, whether verbal, physical, or written. Bullying may include repeated or severe conduct that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or disruptive, including behavior that deliberately excludes, undermines, or interferes with another individual’s participation in GTA Integrity Institute activities. The impact of the conduct, rather than the intent, will be the primary consideration in evaluating potential violations of this Policy. Individuals are also expected to refrain from making frivolous or malicious complaints. They must not engage in unlawful or unsafe behavior, including the misuse of drugs or alcohol in a manner that jeopardizes safety or the integrity of Institute activities, create actual or perceived conflicts of interest, or represent the GTA Integrity Institute without proper authorization. Use of the GTA Integrity Institute’s name, logo, or affiliation must be consistent with its policies and may not be used in a manner that implies endorsement without approval. Individuals must not engage in any conduct, whether in person, in writing, or through digital or social media channels associated with GTA Integrity Institute activities, that could reasonably be expected to harm the reputation, operations, or community of the organization. All individuals are expected to cooperate with reasonable requests related to the enforcement of this Policy and to uphold its standards in both conduct and interactions with others. Nothing in this Policy is intended to restrict lawful expression of ideas, provided such expression does not violate the standards set forth herein or disrupt GTA Integrity Institute activities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
By agreeing to this Policy, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Policy, agree to comply with its requirements, and accept responsibility for upholding its standards and reporting potential violations in good faith.