Purpose

The Stop Rule exists to maintain a respectful, safe, and productive environment for all participants engaging in meetings, discussions, events, or activities associated with the organization. It is a tool designed to prevent harm, de-escalate conflict, and ensure conversations remain aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and code of conduct.

Scope

This policy applies to all participants, including but not limited to:

  • Board members
  • Volunteers
  • Staff
  • Contractors
  • Guests
  • Vendors
  • Speakers
  • Attendees

The Stop Rule applies to all official organization spaces, including virtual meetings, in-person meetings, online platforms, and organization-hosted events.

Stop Rule at a Glance

The Stop Rule is a shared safety and respect tool used to pause conversations or behaviors that become inappropriate, disruptive, or misaligned with the organization’s values. Any participant may invoke the Stop Rule at any time, at which point the discussion must immediately pause and follow the direction of the meeting facilitator or presiding officer. In virtual meetings, failure to comply after the Stop Rule is invoked may result in removal from the meeting. The Stop Rule is not punitive; it exists to protect participants, de-escalate conflict, and support productive, mission-aligned engagement.

What the Stop Rule Is

The Stop Rule is a clear, immediate signal that a conversation or behavior must pause. It may be invoked when an interaction becomes:

  • Disrespectful or hostile
  • Dismissive, harassing, or intimidating
  • Emotionally unsafe or harmful
  • Misaligned with the organization’s values or mission
  • Escalatory or unproductive

The Stop Rule is not a debate tool, a disciplinary action, or a judgment of intent. It is a protective measure focused on impact and group well-being.

Who May Invoke the Stop Rule

Any participant may invoke the Stop Rule at any time if they believe a conversation or behavior meets the criteria above. Authority, role, or seniority is not required to invoke the Stop Rule.

What Happens When the Stop Rule Is Invoked

When the Stop Rule is invoked:

  • The current discussion must immediately pause.
  • All participants are expected to stop speaking, posting, or engaging in the discussion at issue.
  • The meeting facilitator or presiding officer will assess the situation and determine appropriate next steps.

Possible next steps may include:

  • Clarifying expectations or boundaries
  • Redirecting the conversation
  • Pausing the discussion temporarily
  • Moving the discussion to a different forum or time
  • Ending the discussion entirely

Virtual Meeting Enforcement

For meetings held virtually, participants are expected to comply immediately when the Stop Rule is invoked.

Failure to comply, including continued speaking, use of chat features, reactions, or other disruptive behavior after being instructed to stop, may result in removal from the virtual meeting at the discretion of the meeting facilitator or presiding officer.

Removal from a virtual meeting is an enforcement action intended to protect the group and restore order. It does not automatically imply disciplinary action, but it may be documented and reviewed if warranted under other organizational policies.

After the Stop Rule Is Used

Invoking the Stop Rule does not require immediate resolution during the meeting. Follow-up actions may occur after the meeting, including:

  • Private conversations with involved parties
  • Referral to relevant policies or codes of conduct
  • Documentation for governance or oversight purposes
  • Additional review by leadership or the Board, if appropriate

Expectations of Participants

All participants are expected to:

  • Respect the Stop Rule when it is invoked
  • Pause immediately without argument or retaliation
  • Engage in good faith to maintain a respectful environment
  • Accept facilitator decisions made in the moment

Retaliation, mockery, or attempts to undermine the Stop Rule or the individual invoking it are not acceptable.

Relationship to Other Policies

The Stop Rule works in conjunction with, and does not replace, other organizational policies, including:

  • Code of Conduct
  • Anti-harassment or anti-discrimination policies
  • Disciplinary or grievance procedures

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed periodically and may be updated by the organization to ensure it continues to support a safe, respectful, and mission-aligned environment.