Yes, you’ve probably already read this on the interwebs and so don’t need me to link to the statement made by Readercon about the recent kerfuffle.

But I’ve linked to it anyway.  Partly because I’m satisfied to see that the Board of Directors who made the initial “against-policy” decision have been made accountable and have stepped down.  And partly because Walling’s two-year ban has been overruled and replaced with a permanent ban as always should have been the case.

But mostly I’m linking to Readercon’s public statement because it’s a fantastic example of how to do an apology properly.  Not only is the apology section of the statement lengthy and heartfelt, but kudos has to be given to the committee for detailing future actions that will be taken, in particular:

  • Convening a safety committee of concom members, Readercon regulars, and others who are known for their advocacy against harassment, and who will advise the concom on revising our anti-harassment policy and other anti-harassment and pro-safety actions. The initial members of this committee will be announced by September 30, 2012. (If you are interested in joining the safety committee or any other Readercon committee, see below.)
  • Updating our anti-harassment policy to better reflect the reality of how harassment happens at conventions.
  • Updating our protocols for handling reports of harassment, including guidelines for avoiding perceived or actual conflicts of interest, increased transparency of process (while protecting anonymity of complainants and shielding other non-public data), and creating specific procedures to handle reports made while harassment is ongoing and reports made after the fact.
  • Updating our code of conduct to encourage behavior that contributes to a safe and comfortable atmosphere, and to clearly describe the types of behaviors that are not welcome at Readercon.
  • Working with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center to train concom members and volunteers in swift, appropriate reactions to observed or reported harassment.
  • Developing extensive anti-harassment and pro-safety programming for future Readercons.

And we commit to taking the following actions at Readercon 24:

  • Putting up very visible posters, distributing flyers or business cards, and/or adding language to the program guide informing attendees that harassing behavior is not permitted at Readercon and providing ways to report harassment during and after the convention.
  • Increasing our promotion of the Back Up Project, including funding the creation and distribution of ribbons and stickers.

(And yes I’ve quoted it in full because it’s worth the space).

As far as I’m concerned this statement has gone along way to repairing Readercon’s reputation.  It’s still not a convention I’m likely to go to because of the distance and cost, but I’m happy that the committee on a convention that so many people have enjoyed has made the effort to remove the tarnish from their reputation.

Of course, this only the start of a very long road for the Readercon committee.  But I wish them all the best.

Tags: