From d02cd22428ce74d80a3f5e208fb5e5219249f71e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Justin Wheeler Date: Jan 15 2026 18:51:52 +0000 Subject: 📝 docs(code-of-conduct): Update to v2.1, add retaliation section This commit represents a notable change to the Fedora Code of Conduct, including new language that describes our stance against retaliation and defining protections for reporters and participants, and addressing the issue of false reports. The work in making this update began in September 2024 by Marie Nordin (@riecatnor) who first raised this as an issue and identifying an industry trend towards including language about retaliation in a Code of Conduct. A proposal was made and went through several rounds of revision. The revision represented in this commit was signed off by Red Hat Legal (Richard Fontana) in January 2026. Upon merging to the `main` branch, the Fedora Code of Conduct v2.1 comes into effect and will be used as guiding reference for future tickets by the Fedora Code of Conduct Committee. CC, CoC Committee: @jspaleta @jonatoni @dcantrell @ankursinha @chris CC, Council: @bookwar @churchyard @t0xic0der @amoloney @ryanlerch @pboy @pbokoc @nimbinatus Fixes CoC#345. Signed-off-by: Justin Wheeler --- diff --git a/project/modules/code-of-conduct/pages/clarifying-statements.adoc b/project/modules/code-of-conduct/pages/clarifying-statements.adoc index 0c46f9f..1723e1d 100644 --- a/project/modules/code-of-conduct/pages/clarifying-statements.adoc +++ b/project/modules/code-of-conduct/pages/clarifying-statements.adoc @@ -1,4 +1,7 @@ = Clarifying Notes and Statements +Marie Nordin; Justin Wheeler; Fedora Council; Fedora community +v2.1, 2026-01-15 +:description: Clarifying notes for the Fedora Code of Conduct, including policies on retaliation, false reporting, and event visibility. :page-aliases: project::coc-clarifying.adoc The xref:index.adoc[Fedora Code of Conduct] (CoC) outlines our shared values and standards. @@ -42,3 +45,16 @@ We need a Code of Conduct that speaks to everyone who interacts with our communi Many of us may understand the word “contributor” to encompass everyone from a mailing list participant, forum poster, bug reporter, documentarian, designer, developer, etc., but not everyone understands it this way. Additionally, many of our events are attended by users. Speaking about the community is a more clear definition of the individuals covered in this Code. + + +[[retaliation]] +== Rationale for Retaliation Clause (v2.1) + +This update codifies a zero-tolerance stance on retaliation to ensure community members feel safe and empowered to report concerns without fear of negative consequences. +Any confirmed act of retaliation is considered a serious, standalone violation of the Fedora CoC and will be met with appropriate corrective action. +The new section explicitly extends protections to reporters, witnesses, and Fedora Code of Conduct Committee members acting in good faith. +Additionally, it distinguishes between unsubstantiated good-faith claims and malicious false reporting, establishing the latter as a violation to preserve the integrity of the enforcement process. + +As of version 2.1, the Fedora Code of Conduct Committee has explicitly codified our stance on retaliation to close a critical gap in community safety. +It was determined that for the Fedora CoC to be truly effective, reporters must feel empowered to come forward without fear of professional or social backlash. +Silence caused by fear of retribution undermines the health of the entire project. diff --git a/project/modules/code-of-conduct/pages/index.adoc b/project/modules/code-of-conduct/pages/index.adoc index cccdaf1..dc9db55 100644 --- a/project/modules/code-of-conduct/pages/index.adoc +++ b/project/modules/code-of-conduct/pages/index.adoc @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ = Fedora Code of Conduct -Marie Nordin; Justin Wheeler; Fedora Council; Fedora community, Organization for Ethical Source -v2.0, 2021-05-11 +Marie Nordin; Justin Wheeler; Fedora Council; Fedora community, Organization for Ethical Source, Python Software Foundation, Emma Irwin +v2.1, 2026-01-15 :description: Read the Fedora Code of Conduct. Discover the governance standards, inclusivity pledge, and reporting guidelines that define the Fedora CoC for all contributors. :page-aliases: council::policy/coc-response-policy.adoc @@ -109,6 +109,35 @@ All complaints will be reviewed and will result in a response. Failure to follow this Code may result in actions including, but not limited to, warnings, temporary suspension, and in extreme circumstances, banning from the Fedora Project. Please note, while we take all concerns/reported incidents raised seriously, we will use our discretion to determine when and how to follow up on reported incidents. +[[retaliation]] +=== Our Stance on Retaliation + +The Fedora Project is committed to ensuring that community members feel safe and empowered to report concerns without fear of negative consequences. +We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a potential violation of this Fedora Code of Conduct or assists in its investigation. + +[[protection-from-retaliation]] +==== Protection for Reporters and Participants + +No one should face threats, harassment, discrimination, or any other form of retaliation for: + +* Making a good faith report of behavior they believe violates this Fedora Code of Conduct. +* Participating in the investigation of a Fedora Code of Conduct report, including serving as a witness or providing information. + This protection explicitly extends to members of the Fedora Code of Conduct Committee in the execution of their duties. + +"Good faith" means that you honestly believe the information you are providing is accurate, even if an investigation does not ultimately confirm the violation. + +Acts of retaliation are serious violations of this Fedora Code of Conduct. +The Fedora Code of Conduct Committee will address any confirmed instance of retaliation with appropriate corrective action, consistent with the enforcement of other Fedora Code of Conduct violations. +If you believe you are being retaliated against, please report it to the Fedora Code of Conduct Committee using the same reporting channels outlined in the "Reporting and Enforcement" section. + +[[false-reports]] +==== Addressing False Reports + +We expect all community members to act responsibly when making reports. +The Fedora Code of Conduct Committee will investigate all reports. +If the Committee determines, after thorough investigation, that a report was intentionally made with false information and with malicious intent (for example, to harass or silence someone), this action itself will be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct. +An unsubstantiated report, when made in good faith, is not considered a false report. + [[legal]] == Attribution & License