<p><pre><code>    &gt; The mainstream theory of harassment (let&#x27;s call it
    &gt; &quot;Model A&quot;) has these assumptions:
    &gt; -  Anyone can be the harasser.
    &gt; -  Harassment is a motiveless act.
    &gt; -  Outlawing harassment will stop it.
</code></pre>
I don&#x27;t think that&#x27;s right.<p>I think people who want a Code of Conduct generally see the <i>primary reason</i> for a Code of Conduct as a signal from organizers that they will take actions listed seriously as harrassment if they happen.<p>It&#x27;s like a sign at a small rural hotel that says &quot;Same-sex couples welcome&quot;. They don&#x27;t mean that other couples are unwelcome, they don&#x27;t mean they&#x27;re catering exclusively for same-sex couples, they don&#x27;t think you should change religion: they&#x27;re just sending out a signal that if a guy and his husband stay there, they&#x27;re not going to run in to official hostility.<p>A CoC sends the signals that: the organizers know harrassment takes place, they care, and they&#x27;re willing to publically agree to address it and take it seriously when it occurs.