Universal Code of Conduct/Annual review/2025/Proposed Changes

Below are changes the U4C has proposed based on community feedback on the Enforcement Guidelines and the U4C Charter, after revising per comments and suggestions on the initial proposed changes. Previews of the proposals' combined changes are available for both the EG (diff) and the Charter (diff). These proposals are open for voting from 17 April 2025 to 1 May 2025, See the voter information page for more details.

Proposal A: Language Adjustments

• Removed duplicate language between Enforcement Guidelines and Charter
• Removed outdated U4CBC sections
• Improved language clarity

Enforcement Guidelines

Current text 1. UCoC Enforcement Guidelines These Enforcement Guidelines describe how the community and Wikimedia Foundation will be able to achieve the goals of the Universal Code of Conduct (UCoC). This includes, among other topics: promoting understanding of the UCoC, engaging in proactive work to prevent violations, developing principles for responsive work to UCoC violations, and supporting local enforcement structures. [..] 1.1 Translations of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines The original version of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines is in English. It will be translated into various languages used on Wikimedia projects. The Wikimedia Foundation will make their best effort to have accurate translations. If any difference arises in the meaning between the English version and a translation, decisions will be based on the English version. [..] 2. Preventive work This section aims to provide guidelines for Wikimedia communities and affiliated individuals to be aware of the UCoC, to fully understand and adhere to it. To that end, this section will detail recommendations for raising awareness of the UCoC, handling translations of the UCoC, and promoting voluntary adherence to the UCoC where appropriate or necessary. 2.1 Notification and confirmation of the UCoC [..] We recommend that the UCoC be added to Wikimedia Terms of Use. [..] 2.2 Recommendations for UCoC training [..] The U4C Building Committee, with support from the Wikimedia Foundation, will develop and implement training to provide a common understanding of the UCoC and skills for its implementation. It is recommended that relevant stakeholders should be consulted in the development of training, including, but not limited to: Affiliates, the Affiliations Committee, Arbitration Committees, Stewards and other Advanced Rights Holders, T&S and legal, and others as it deems beneficial to providing a complete view of the UCoC. These trainings are intended for people who want to be part of UCoC enforcement processes, or those who want to be informed about the UCoC. The training will be set up in independent modules covering general information, identification of violations and support, and complex cases and appeals. After the first U4C is onboarded, it will be responsible for maintaining and updating the training modules as needed. [..] We recommend participants who complete a module should have the option of having their completion publicly acknowledged. [..] 3.1 Principles for filing and processing of UCoC violations The following principles are standards for reporting systems across the Movement. Reports: [..] Resources for translation must be provided by the Wikimedia Foundation when reports are provided in languages that designated individuals are not proficient 3.1.1 Providing resources for processing cases Enforcement of the UCoC by local governance structures will be supported in multiple ways. Communities will be able to choose from different mechanisms or approaches based on several factors such as: the capacity of their enforcement structures, approach to governance, and community preferences. Some of these approaches can include: [..] Communities should continue to handle enforcement through existing means where they do not conflict with the UCoC. [..] 3.1.2 Enforcement by type of violations [..] Off-wiki violations Handled by the U4C where no local governance structure (e.g. ArbCom) exists, or if the case is referred to them by the enforcement structure that would otherwise be responsible In some cases, it may be helpful to report the off-wiki violations to enforcement structures of the relevant off-wiki space. This does not preclude existing local and global enforcement mechanisms from acting on the reports [..] 3.3 Principles and recommendations for enforcement structures Where possible, we encourage existing enforcement structures to take up the responsibility of receiving reports of and dealing with UCoC violations, in accordance with the guidelines stated here. To ensure that enforcement of the UCoC remains consistent across the movement, we recommend that the following baseline principles should be applied when handling UCoC violations. 3.3.1 Fairness in process We encourage enforcement structures in developing and maintaining supportive conflict-of-interest policies. These should help admins or others determine when to abstain or disengage from a report when they are closely involved in the issue. All parties will usually have the opportunity to give their perspective on the issues and evidence, and feedback from others can also be invited to help provide more information, perspective, and context. This may be limited to protect privacy and safety. 3.3.2 Transparency of process The U4C, in line with its purpose and scope as defined in 4.1, shall provide documentation on the effectiveness of UCoC enforcement actions and their relation to common violations throughout the movement. They should be supported by the Wikimedia Foundation in conducting this research. The goal of this documentation is to aid enforcement structures in developing best practices for enforcing the UCoC. [..] For Wikimedia-specific conversations occurring on related space hosted on third party platforms (e.g. Discord, Telegram, etc.), Wikimedia's Terms of Use may not apply. They are covered by that specific website's Terms of Use and conduct policies. Nevertheless, the behavior of Wikimedians on related space hosted on third party platforms can be accepted as evidence in reports of UCoC violations. We encourage Wikimedia community members who moderate Wikimedia-related spaces on third party platforms to incorporate respect of the UCoC into their policies. The Wikimedia Foundation should seek to encourage best practices for third-party platforms that discourage the continuation of on-wiki conflicts to their spaces. 3.3.3 Appeals [..] Enforcement structures will set standards for accepting and considering appeals based on relevant contextual information and mitigating factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: verifiability of the accusations, the length and effect of the sanction, and whether there is a suspicion of abuse of power or other systemic issues, and the likelihood of further violations. The acceptance of an appeal is not guaranteed. [..] To achieve this goal, we recommend that enforcement structures should consider different factors when reviewing appeals. [..] 4. UCoC Coordinating Committee (U4C) A new global committee called the Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C) will be formed. This committee will be a co-equal body with other high-level decision-making bodies (e.g. ArbComs and AffCom). Its purpose is to serve as final recourse in the case of systemic failures by local groups to enforce the UCoC. The U4C's membership shall be reflective of the global and diverse makeup of our global community. 4.1 Purpose and scope [..] The U4C will not take cases that do not primarily involve violations of the UCoC, or its enforcement. The U4C may delegate its final decision making authority except in instances of severe systemic issues. The U4C's responsibilities are explained in the context of other enforcement structures in 3.1.2. 4.2 Selection, membership, and roles Annual elections, organized by the global community, will select voting members. Candidates may be any community member who must also: Meet the Wikimedia Foundation's criteria for access to nonpublic personal data and confirm in their election statement they will fully comply with the criteria Not be currently sanctioned in any Wikimedia project or have an event ban Comply with the UCoC Meet any other eligibility requirements determined during the election process In exceptional circumstances, the U4C may call interim elections, if it determines that resignations or inactivity have created an immediate need for additional members. Elections will be in a format similar to that of the regular annual elections. Individual members of the U4C do not have to resign from other positions (e.g. local sysop, member of ArbCom, event safety coordinator). However they may not participate in processing cases they have been directly involved in as a result of their other positions. Members of the U4C will sign the Access to Nonpublic Personal Data Policy to provide them access to nonpublic information. The U4C Building Committee should decide on appropriate terms for U4C members. The U4C may form subcommittees or designate individuals for particular tasks or roles as appropriate. The Wikimedia Foundation may appoint up to two non-voting members to the U4C and will provide support staff as desired and appropriate. 4.3 Procedures The U4C will decide on how often it will convene and on other operating procedures. The U4C may create or modify their procedures as long as it is within their scope. Whenever appropriate, the Committee should invite community feedback on intended changes prior to implementing them. [..] 4.5 U4C Building Committee Following ratification of the UCoC enforcement guidelines, the Wikimedia Foundation will facilitate a Building Committee to: Determine the procedures, policy, and use of precedent of the U4C Draft the remainder of the U4C process Designate any other logistics necessary to establish the U4C Help facilitate the initial election procedures for the U4C The Building Committee shall consist of volunteer community members, affiliate staff or board members, and Wikimedia Foundation staff. Members will be selected by the Vice President of Community Resilience and Sustainability of the Wikimedia Foundation. Volunteer members for the committee should be respected community members. Members shall reflect the diverse perspectives of the movement's enforcement processes with experience in things such as, but not limited to: policy drafting, involvement in and awareness of the application of existing rules and policies on Wikimedia projects, and participatory decision making. Its members shall reflect the diversity of the movement, such as but not limited to: languages spoken, gender, age, geography, and project type. The work of the U4C Building Committee will be ratified either by the Global Council or by a community process similar to the ratification of this document. Following the establishment of the U4C through the work of this Building Committee, the Building Committee should dissolve.

Proposed text 1. UCoC Enforcement Guidelines These Enforcement Guidelines describe how the community and Wikimedia Foundation achieve the goals of the Universal Code of Conduct (UCoC). This includes, among other topics: promoting understanding of the UCoC, engaging in proactive work to prevent violations, developing principles for responsive work to UCoC violations, and supporting local enforcement structures. [..] 1.1 Translations of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines The original version of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines is in English. It is translated into various languages used on Wikimedia projects. The Wikimedia Foundation makes its best efforts to have accurate translations. If any difference arises in the meaning between the English version and a translation, decisions must be based on the English version. [..] 2. Preventive work This section aims to provide guidelines for Wikimedia communities and affiliated individuals to be aware of the UCoC, to fully understand and adhere to it. To that end, this section details recommendations for raising awareness of the UCoC, handling translations of the UCoC, and promoting voluntary adherence to the UCoC where appropriate or necessary. [..] 2.1 Notification and confirmation of the UCoC [..] The UCoC is part of the Wikimedia Terms of Use. [..] 2.2 Recommendations for UCoC training [..] The U4C Building Committee, with support from the Wikimedia Foundation, develops and implements training to provide a common understanding of the UCoC and skills for its implementation. Relevant stakeholders must be consulted in the development of training, including, but not limited to: Affiliates, the Affiliations Committee, Arbitration Committees, Stewards and other Advanced Rights Holders, T&S and legal, and others as it deems beneficial to providing a complete view of the UCoC. These trainings are for people who want to be part of UCoC enforcement processes, or those who want to be informed about the UCoC. The training will be set up in independent modules covering general information, identification of violations and support, and complex cases and appeals. The U4C is responsible for maintaining and updating the training modules as needed. [..] Participants who complete a module must have the option of having their completion publicly acknowledged. [..] 3.1 Principles for filing and processing of UCoC violations The following principles are standards for reporting systems across the Movement. Reports: [..] Where possible and necessary, the Wikimedia Foundation will provide translation resources for reports 3.1.1 Providing resources for processing cases Enforcement of the UCoC by local governance structures is supported in multiple ways. Communities choose from different mechanisms or approaches based on several factors such as: the capacity of their enforcement structures, approach to governance, and community preferences. Some of these approaches can include: [..] Communities handle enforcement through existing means where they do not conflict with the UCoC. [..] 3.1.2 Enforcement by type of violations [..] Off-wiki violations Handled by the U4C where no local governance structure (e.g. ArbCom) exists, or if the case is referred to them by the enforcement structure that would otherwise be responsible In some cases, it is helpful to report the off-wiki violations to enforcement structures of the relevant off-wiki space. This does not preclude existing local and global enforcement mechanisms from acting on the reports [..] 3.3 Principles and recommendations for enforcement structures Where possible, existing local enforcement structures have the responsibility of receiving reports of and dealing with UCoC violations, in accordance with the guidelines stated here. To ensure that enforcement of the UCoC remains consistent across the movement, the following baseline principles are applied when handling UCoC violations. 3.3.1 Fairness in process Enforcement structures must develop and maintain supportive conflict-of-interest policies. These help admins or others determine when to abstain or disengage from a report when they are closely involved in the issue. All parties will usually have the opportunity to give their perspective on the issues and evidence, and feedback from others can also be invited to help provide more information, perspective, and context. This may be limited to protect privacy and safety. 3.3.2 Transparency of process The U4C, in line with its purpose and scope as defined in 4.1, provides documentation on the effectiveness of UCoC enforcement actions and their relation to common violations throughout the movement, supported by the Wikimedia Foundation in conducting this research. The goal of this documentation is to aid enforcement structures in developing best practices for enforcing the UCoC. [..] For Wikimedia-specific conversations occurring on related space hosted on third party platforms (e.g. Discord, Telegram, etc.), Wikimedia's Terms of Use may not apply. They are covered by that specific website's Terms of Use and conduct policies. Nevertheless, the behavior of Wikimedians on related space hosted on third party platforms can be accepted as evidence in reports of UCoC violations. Wikimedia community members who moderate Wikimedia-related spaces on third party platforms are required to incorporate the UCoC into their policies. The Wikimedia Foundation encourages best practices for third-party platforms that discourage the continuation of on-wiki conflicts to their spaces. 3.3.3 Appeals [..] Enforcement structures set standards for accepting and considering appeals based on relevant contextual information and mitigating factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: verifiability of the accusations, the length and effect of the sanction, and whether there is a suspicion of abuse of power or other systemic issues, and the likelihood of further violations. The acceptance of an appeal is not guaranteed. [..] To achieve this goal, enforcement structures are encouraged to consider different factors when reviewing appeals. [..] 4. UCoC Coordinating Committee (U4C) The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C) is a co-equal body with other high-level decision-making bodies (e.g. ArbComs and AffCom). Its purpose is to serve as final recourse in the case of systemic failures by local groups to enforce the UCoC. 4.1 Purpose and scope [..] The U4C will not take cases that do not primarily involve violations of the UCoC, or its enforcement. The U4C's responsibilities are explained in the context of other enforcement structures in 3.1.2. 4.2 Selection, membership, and roles Annual elections, organized by the global community, will select up to 16 voting members. In exceptional circumstances, the U4C may call interim elections, if it determines that resignations or inactivity have created an immediate need for additional members. Elections will be in a format similar to that of the regular annual elections. The Wikimedia Foundation may appoint up to two non-voting members to the U4C and will provide support staff as desired and appropriate. [..]

Charter

Current text The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C), reflective of the global community, is an enforcement structure dedicated to providing an equitable and consistent implementation of the UCoC. [..] 2. Elections and Terms [..] 2.1. Member Eligibility Each member and candidate must: [..] Be a registered member of at least one Wiki project for at least 365 days and have a minimum of 500 edits. [..] 2.4. Elections Annual elections to select voting members of the U4C will be overseen by the U4C and administered by the Elections Committee, in cooperation with the U4C. For the first election, the U4C Building Committee (U4CBC) will take the place of the U4C. Candidates will have to satisfy the membership requirements stated in section 2.1. The inaugural election of the U4C will be held as soon as practical, following the successful completion of the U4C Charter ratification process. [..] 2.5. Voting Process [..] After the first session of the U4C, the U4CBC will be dissolved and the U4C will begin work as soon as possile. [..] 2.6. Vacancies If there is an empty seat, whether because of resignations, removals, or no candidate was chosen for a regional seat in an election, the U4C may leave the seat empty and temporarily fill it during the next election, or the U4C may call a special election. An additional option in the case of resignation or removal is that the U4C may appoint a member who ran within the most recent election and received at least 60% support. [..] 3.5. Subcommittees The U4C Building Committee suggests that at least two subcommittees are created within the U4C at the time of formation. One subcommittee for the prevention, training and reports pertaining to the U4C work and the second subcommittee for the review and handling of cases. 3.6. Structured Support Some work may necessitate certain structured support. The U4C may form subcommittees or designate members for particular tasks or roles as appropriate to address the work of the U4C. [..] 3.9.1. Relationship with other movement government structures According to the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines, depending on the situation, the U4C can act as a high level decision-making body about the UCoC and as a peer group to other high level decision making bodies. The Committee's role is to provide resources for communities on UCoC best practices and act as the final recourse in situations where there are systemic issues by local groups to enforce the UCoC on their own. [..] Requests for advice or interpretation or case referrals should generally be made on Meta-wiki, except when not appropriate for privacy reasons. For situations involving privacy, use of the dedicated email address for the U4C is expected. [..] 4.1. UCoC and Enforcement Training Resources The U4C will oversee the creation and maintenance of training resources, as well as coordinating with the Wikimedia Foundation on translation of such training resources. Three basic training modules shall cover as mandated in the enforcement guidelines will include: Orientation Identification and reporting Complex cases and appeals These modules will be publicly accessible, on platforms such as on learn.wiki, and must be translated in cooperation with the Wikimedia Foundation into as many languages as possible. The list or number of languages will be determined by the U4C. Alongside providing training modules, the U4C can explore and support other ways of training, collaborating with various community stakeholders such as but not limited to the Wikimedia Foundation and affiliates. The U4C can also share the best practices of UCoC violations and related matters and offer quality assurance and certification of UCoC training resources created by other movement stakeholders upon request. Just like the UCoC itself defines minimums, and invites and encourages communities to build upon those minimum standards for behavior, movement stakeholders are welcome to build upon and improve the basic training resources.

Proposed text The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C), reflective of the diverse makeup of our global community, is an enforcement structure dedicated to providing an equitable and consistent implementation of the UCoC. [..] 2. Elections and Terms 2.1. Member Eligibility Each member and candidate must: [..] Be a registered member of at least one Wikimedia project for at least 365 days and have a minimum of 500 edits. [..] 2.4. Elections Annual elections to select voting members of the U4C will be overseen by the U4C and administered by the Elections Committee, in cooperation with the U4C. Candidates will have to satisfy the membership requirements stated in section 2.1. [..] 2.5. Voting Process [..] 2.6. Vacancies If there is an empty seat, whether because of resignations, removals, or no candidate was chosen for a regional seat in an election, the U4C may leave the seat empty and temporarily fill it during the next election, or the U4C may call a special election. In the case of resignation or removal, the U4C may appoint as a member a candidate who ran within the most recent election and received at least 60% support. 3.6. Structured Support The U4C may form subcommittees or designate members for particular tasks or roles as appropriate to address the work of the U4C. [..] 3.9.1. Relationship with other movement government structures According to the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines, depending on the situation, the U4C can act as a high level decision-making body about the UCoC and as a peer group to other high level decision making bodies. [..] Requests for advice or interpretation or case referrals should generally be made on Meta-Wiki, except when not appropriate for privacy reasons. For situations involving privacy, use of the dedicated email address for the U4C is expected. [..] 4.1. UCoC and Enforcement Training Resources The U4C oversees the creation and maintenance of training resources, as well as coordinates with the Wikimedia Foundation on translation of such training resources. Alongside providing training modules as mandated by the Enforcement Guidelines, the U4C may explore and support other ways of training, collaborating with various community stakeholders such as but not limited to the Wikimedia Foundation and affiliates. The U4C also shares the best practices of UCoC violations and related matters and offer quality assurance and certification of UCoC training resources created by other movement stakeholders upon request. Just like the UCoC itself defines minimums, and invites and encourages communities to build upon those minimum standards for behavior, movement stakeholders are welcome to build upon and improve the basic training resources.

Proposal B: U4C Scope and Procedures

• Clarify the scope of U4C's jurisdiction to communities without local enforcement structure for UCoC
• Make the terms of U4C members explicitly staggered
• Improve the language around U4C members recusing from work

Enforcement Guidelines

Current text 3.3.3 Appeals An action taken by an individual advanced rights holder will be appealable to a local or shared enforcement structure other than the U4C. If no such enforcement structure exists, then an appeal to the U4C can be permissible. Aside from this arrangement, local communities may allow appeals to a different individual advanced rights holder. [..] 5. Glossary [..] Arbitration Committee or ArbCom group of trusted users who serve as the final decision making group for some disputes. Each ArbCom's scope is defined by its community. An ArbCom may serve more than one project (e.g. Wikinews and Wikivoyage) and/or more than one language. For the purposes of these guidelines, this includes the Code of Conduct Committee for Wikimedia Technical Spaces and administrative panels. See also the definition on Meta-Wiki. [..] High-level decision-making body A group (i.e. U4C, ArbCom, Affcom) beyond which there can be no appeal. Different issues may have different high-level decision-making bodies. This term does not include a group of users participating in a discussion organized at a noticeboard and resulting in a decision, even if the results of that discussion cannot be appealed.

Proposed text 3.3.3 Appeals An action taken by an individual advanced rights holder will be appealable to a local or shared enforcement structure. Local communities may allow appeals to a different individual advanced rights holder. If no local enforcement structure exists, then an appeal to the U4C is permissible. [..] 5. Glossary [..] Arbitration Committee or ArbCom group of trusted users who serve as the final decision making group for some disputes. An ArbCom is considered a high-level decision making body only for the parts of the UCoC that are within its scope, as defined by its community. An ArbCom may serve more than one project (e.g. Wikinews and Wikivoyage) and/or more than one language. For the purposes of these guidelines, this includes the Code of Conduct Committee for Wikimedia Technical Spaces and administrative panels. See also the definition on Meta-Wiki. [..] High-level decision-making body A group (i.e. U4C, ArbCom, Affcom, Stewards) beyond which there can be no appeal of UCoC enforcement. Different issues may have different high-level decision-making bodies. This term does not include a group of users participating in a discussion organized at a noticeboard and resulting in a decision, even if the results of that discussion cannot be appealed.

Charter

Current text The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C), reflective of the global community, is an enforcement structure dedicated to providing an equitable and consistent implementation of the UCoC. It is a co-equal body to other high-level decision-making bodies such as NDA-Arbitration Committees and Stewards. The U4C determines if there has been a systemic failure by a Wikimedia group or community in enforcing the UCoC. [..] 1.3. Membership The U4C will consist of 16 community voting members and up to two non-voting members appointed by the Wikimedia Foundation. Each voting member fulfills a two-year term, except the inaugural election (see 3.2). The Wikimedia Foundation may appoint up to two non-voting members and select additional support staff as requested by the U4C. [..] 2.3. Terms U4C membership will be for a two-year term, except the first election. For the first election, Regional Candidates will serve two-year terms and at-large members will serve a one year term. 3.8. Recusal A U4C member may recuse themselves from any work, or from any aspect of the work, with or without explanation, and it’s required when a conflict of interest arises. This situation may result in a member of the U4C participating in the discussions about the work, but not the voting process. Any U4C member participating in their U4C member capacity regarding work from a project or affiliate they participate in has the responsibility of the decision to recuse themselves. Members of the U4C will not participate in the work if they have been directly involved with the work as a result of their other positions or other activities. This decision is still subject to a vote by the whole membership of the U4C. Any U4C member may choose to withdraw from the recusal vote, but still participate in discussions of recusals from the work. Typically, a conflict of interest regarding U4C work includes personal involvement in the substance of the dispute or significant personal involvement with one of the parties involved in the work. Previous interactions with the parties as routine editor, administrator or U4C interactions are not usually grounds for recusal. [..] 4.2. Jurisdiction, proceedings, adjudication, appeals 4.2.1. Jurisdiction [..] Except in instances of systemic failures, the U4C will not have jurisdiction when a NDA-signed, high-level decision-making body exists (Arbitration Committees, Affiliations Committee, Global Council, Elections Committee, Technical Code of Conduct committee, stewards), warranting effective self-governance. The U4C should also respect the movement principle of decentralization, understanding that the UCoC should be enforced at the most relevant local level possible. [..] 4.2.1.1. Systemic failures Issues related to systemic failure can be raised by anyone and the U4C may choose to open an investigation with at least majority support. If the Foundation or a high-level decision making body requests an investigation into a systemic failure, the U4C will open an investigation. A good faith disagreement over how to interpret the UCoC is not enough to determine that a high-level decision making body has systematically failed to enforce the code.

Proposed text The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C), reflective of the global community, is an enforcement structure dedicated to providing an equitable and consistent implementation of the UCoC. It is a co-equal body to other high-level decision-making bodies such as Arbitration Committees and Stewards. The U4C hears complaints related to UCoC enforcement where no other high-level decision-making body has jurisdiction, and determines if there has been a systemic failure by a Wikimedia group or community in enforcing the UCoC. [..] 1.3. Membership The U4C will consist of 16 community voting members and up to two non-voting members appointed by the Wikimedia Foundation. The Wikimedia Foundation may appoint up to two non-voting members and select additional support staff as requested by the U4C. [..] 2.3. Terms U4C membership will be for a two-year term by default. Shorter terms may be filled as a result of a resignation or a special election or to fill a vacant seat. Half of the community-at-large and half of the regional seats will be elected to a two-year term each year. If necessary, the U4C Elections Committee[a] can decide to appoint an elected member with a shorter term, such as when appointing to a seat recently made vacant due to a resignation. 3.8. Recusal Members of the U4C are expected to recuse from any work if they have a conflict of interest over it. Recusal may result in a member of the U4C participating in the discussions about the work, but not voting on any decisions around it. A conflict of interest regarding U4C work may be due to personal involvement in the substance of the dispute or significant personal involvement with one of the parties involved in the work. Previous interactions with the parties as routine editor, administrator or U4C interactions are not usually grounds for recusal. In cases where a U4C member is requested to recuse from U4C work due to a believed conflict of interest, they may decide to voluntarily recuse themselves or have the recusal decided through a vote by the U4C members excluding the member who was requested to be recused. A U4C member may voluntarily recuse themselves from any work, or from any aspect of the work, with or without explanation. [..] 4.2. Jurisdiction, proceedings, adjudication, appeals 4.2.1. Jurisdiction [..] Except in instances of systemic failures, the U4C will not have jurisdiction to enforce the UCoC when a high-level decision-making body is able to (Arbitration Committees, Affiliations Committee, Elections Committee, Technical Code of Conduct committee, Stewards), warranting effective self-governance. The U4C should also respect the movement principle of decentralization, understanding that the UCoC should be enforced at the most relevant local level possible. [..] 4.2.1.1. Systemic failures Issues related to systemic failure can be raised by anyone and the U4C may choose to open an investigation. If the Foundation or a high-level decision making body requests an investigation into a systemic failure, the U4C will open an investigation. A good faith disagreement over how to interpret the UCoC is not enough to determine that a high-level decision making body has systematically failed to enforce the code.

Proposal C: New U4C Members

• U4C members not standing for the upcoming election can now form its own committee to oversee elections
• U4C can decide to appoint up to 4 non-voting members to fill gaps in its knowledge

Charter

Current text The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C), reflective of the global community, is an enforcement structure dedicated to providing an equitable and consistent implementation of the UCoC. [..] The committee provides quality assurance of UCoC-related training materials, and oversees the annual UCoC and Enforcement Guidelines (EG) community review. [..] 1.3. Membership The U4C will consist of 16 community voting members and up to two non-voting members appointed by the Wikimedia Foundation. Each voting member fulfills a two-year term, except the inaugural election (see 3.2). The Wikimedia Foundation may appoint up to two non-voting members and select additional support staff as requested by the U4C. [..] 2. Elections and Terms 2.1. Member Eligibility Each member and candidate must: [..] Have not been blocked on any Wikimedia project nor have an active event ban in the past one year. Candidates who are blocked may appeal to the Election Committee, who may make an exception. [..] The Elections Committee will have the final authority to decide whether candidates meet eligibility requirements. [..] 2.4. Elections Annual elections to select voting members of the U4C will be overseen by the U4C and administered by the Elections Committee, in cooperation with the U4C. [..] 2.5. Voting Process [..] Voter eligibility will be decided by the Elections Committee. [..] 4.2.1. Jurisdiction [..] Except in instances of systemic failures, the U4C will not have jurisdiction when a NDA-signed, high-level decision-making body exists (Arbitration Committees, Affiliations Committee, Global Council, Elections Committee, Technical Code of Conduct committee, stewards), warranting effective self-governance. [..] 5. Glossary [..]

Proposed text The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C), reflective of the global community, is an enforcement structure dedicated to providing an equitable and consistent implementation of the UCoC. [..] The committee provides quality assurance of UCoC-related training materials, oversees the annual UCoC and Enforcement Guidelines (EG) community review, and conducts the annual elections for members of the U4C as well as conducting any special elections that may occur. [..] 1.3. Membership The U4C will consist of up to 16 community voting members and up to six non-voting members. Each voting member fulfills a two-year term, except the inaugural election (see 3.2). The Wikimedia Foundation may appoint up to two non-voting members. The Wikimedia Foundation may also select additional support staff as requested by the U4C. The U4C may appoint up to four non-voting members to fill gaps in experience or knowledge on the committee. The terms of non-voting members can be up to two years and are announced at the time of the appointment. Non-voting members may be dismissed before the end of their terms at the discretion of the U4C. [..] 2. Elections and Terms 2.1. Member Eligibility Each member and candidate must: [..] Have not been blocked on any Wikimedia project nor have an active event ban in the past one year. Candidates who are blocked may appeal to the U4C Elections Committee, who may make an exception. [..] The U4C Elections Committee will have the final authority to decide whether candidates meet eligibility requirements. [..] 2.4. Elections Annual elections to select voting members of the U4C will be overseen by the U4C and administered by the U4C Elections Committee. [..] 2.5. Voting Process [..] Voter eligibility will be decided by the U4C Elections Committee. [..] 4.2.1. Jurisdiction [..] Except in instances of systemic failures, the U4C will not have jurisdiction when a NDA-signed, high-level decision-making body exists (Arbitration Committees, Affiliations Committee, Global Council, Wikimedia Foundation Elections Committee, Technical Code of Conduct committee, stewards), warranting effective self-governance. [..] 5. Glossary [..] U4C Elections Committee: The U4C will create the U4C Elections Committee to oversee matters related to an upcoming U4C election or special election, including administration and candidate eligibility. Initial members of the U4C Elections Committee are selected from U4C members who are not candidates in the upcoming election. The U4C Elections Committee may also co-opt other community members who are not candidates in the upcoming election. If forming such a committee is not feasible, responsibility for overseeing the election may be taken by Stewards or the Wikimedia Foundation Elections Committee.

Proposal D: Representation

• Amend voting requirement rules to allow a smaller committee to function (e.g. a committee of 5 members in total can pass decisions when they receive 100% support)
• Have a higher requirement for declaring systemic failures (minimum 8 supports)
• Remove the homewiki requirement for U4C membership

Charter

Current text 3.4. Quorum The U4C can seat with any number of members, but no decision or vote can be taken by the Committee unless the quorum of 50% (8 members) of the voting members (16 members) is attained. When there is no quorum, the U4C will continue to work on matters where no vote is needed and call a special election if needed. [..] 5. Glossary [..] Community at Large group: The Community at Large group is the group of the U4C Community elected representatives being active on any Wikimedia project. However no more than two members can be elected from the same home wiki, this number including the members elected In the Regional part distribution group as well.

Proposed text 3.4. Decisions Where necessary, decisions that require the capacity of the full committee are subject to a vote by all active voting members. Decisions taken by the Committee are required to be supported by at least 5 voting members. However, decisions relating to a systemic failure to enforce the UCoC require at least 8 voting members in support. In order to pass, a decision must, in addition to having the minimum number of support votes, be supported by over 50% of participating (i.e. have not abstained or recused) voting members. When the U4C does not have enough members to pass votes on decisions, it will continue to work on matters where no vote is needed and call a special election if needed. [..] 5. Glossary [..] Community at Large group: The Community at Large group is the group of the U4C Community elected representatives being active on any Wikimedia project.

Proposal E: Annual Review

• The U4C now takes responsibility for annual reviews
• Specify the Charter as also a part of annual reviews
• Adopt the 60% support threshold to pass annual review proposals to remove ambiguity

Enforcement Guidelines

Current text 1.1 Translations of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines The original version of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines is in English. It will be translated into various languages used on Wikimedia projects. The Wikimedia Foundation will make their best effort to have accurate translations. If any difference arises in the meaning between the English version and a translation, decisions will be based on the English version. 1.2 Review of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines Based on the Board of Trustees' recommendation, one year after the ratification of the Enforcement Guidelines, the Wikimedia Foundation will host a community consultation and review of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines and UCoC. [..] 2.2 Recommendations for UCoC training The U4C Building Committee, with support from the Wikimedia Foundation, will develop and implement training to provide a common understanding of the UCoC and skills for its implementation. It is recommended that relevant stakeholders should be consulted in the development of training, including, but not limited to: Affiliates, the Affiliations Committee, Arbitration Committees, Stewards and other Advanced Rights Holders, T&S and legal, and others as it deems beneficial to providing a complete view of the UCoC. [..] 4. UCoC Coordinating Committee (U4C) [..] 4.1 Purpose and scope The U4C monitors reports of UCoC breaches, and may conduct additional investigations and take actions where appropriate. The U4C will regularly monitor and assess the state of UCoC enforcement. It may suggest suitable changes to UCoC and the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines for the Wikimedia Foundation and the community to consider, but may not change either document on its own. When necessary, the U4C will assist the Wikimedia Foundation in handling cases. [..]

Proposed text 1.1 Translations of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines The original version of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines is in English. It will be translated into various languages used on Wikimedia projects. The Wikimedia Foundation will make their best effort to have accurate translations. If any difference arises in the meaning between the English version and a translation, decisions by the U4C will be based on the English version. 1.2 Review of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee leads annual reviews of the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines. [..] 2.2 Recommendations for UCoC training The U4C, with support from the Wikimedia Foundation, will develop and implement training to provide a common understanding of the UCoC and skills for its implementation. It is recommended that relevant stakeholders should be consulted in the development of training, including, but not limited to: Affiliates, the Affiliations Committee, Arbitration Committees, Stewards and other Advanced Rights Holders, T&S and legal, and others as it deems beneficial to providing a complete view of the UCoC. [..] 4. UCoC Coordinating Committee (U4C) [..] 4.1 Purpose and scope The U4C monitors reports of UCoC breaches, and may conduct additional investigations and take actions where appropriate. The U4C will regularly monitor and assess the state of UCoC enforcement. It may suggest suitable changes to UCoC, the UCoC Enforcement Guidelines, and U4C Charter for the Wikimedia Foundation and the community to consider, but may not change these documents on its own. When necessary, the U4C will assist the Wikimedia Foundation in handling cases. [..]

Charter

Current text The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C), reflective of the global community, is an enforcement structure dedicated to providing an equitable and consistent implementation of the UCoC. It is a co-equal body to other high-level decision-making bodies such as NDA-Arbitration Committees and Stewards. The U4C determines if there has been a systemic failure by a Wikimedia group or community in enforcing the UCoC. The committee provides quality assurance of UCoC-related training materials, and oversees the annual UCoC and Enforcement Guidelines (EG) community review. [..] 4.3.2. Changes to the Charter, the Enforcement Guidelines or the UCoC Changes to the Charter, the Enforcement Guidelines or the UCoC require community approval. The U4C will organize at its sole discretion the annual review of the UCoC, the Enforcement Guidelines and the Charter. It comprises at least: [..] A voting phase Votes will be cast by community members with > 60% or > 66% approval [..]

Proposed text The Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee (U4C), reflective of the global community, is an enforcement structure dedicated to providing an equitable and consistent implementation of the UCoC. It is a co-equal body to other high-level decision-making bodies such as NDA-Arbitration Committees and Stewards. The U4C determines if there has been a systemic failure by a Wikimedia group or community in enforcing the UCoC. The committee provides quality assurance of UCoC-related training materials, and oversees the annual UCoC, Enforcement Guidelines (EG), and U4C charter community review. [..] 4.3.2. Changes to the Charter, the Enforcement Guidelines or the UCoC Changes to the Charter, the Enforcement Guidelines or the UCoC require community approval. The U4C will organize at its sole discretion the annual review of the UCoC, the Enforcement Guidelines and the Charter. It comprises at least: [..] A voting phase Eligible proposals must be put to a community vote by the U4C separate from the regular U4C elections. A proposal passes if it is supported by at least 60% of valid votes on that proposal. [..]

Footnotes

1. Would be "the Elections Committee" if proposal C does not pass.