We were pretty jazzed when ReedPOP reached out to us for help drafting their New York Comic Con 2014 anti-harassment policy. The need for every con to have such a policy, prominently placed so people actually see it, is something we feel pretty strongly about, after all.
We assembled a crack team of experts, and after several long e-mail chains and one marathon chat session, voilà: NYCC’s 2014 anti-harassment policy was born. The entire text is below, but first, let’s introduce our panel!
- Rachel Edidin, RachelEdidin.com, @RaeBeta
- Eris Walsh, She Geeks and @SheGeeksBlog
- Nicole Stark, M.A. Candidate, Facebook
- Mark Oshiro, @MarkDoesStuff
- Siobhan P. Lynch
- Tina Beychok, Founder and Resident Loudmouth, Backup Ribbon Project, @backupribbon
- Ivy Noelle Weir, Women Write About Comics, Tumblr, @ivynoelle
And here’s the policy itself; you can read it on NYCC’s website here. It will be in use at all future ReedPOP conventions.
New York Comic Con has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to:
- stalking
- intimidation
- offensive verbal comments
- physical assault and/or battery
- harassing or non-consensual photography or recording
- sustained disruption of Panels, signings, and other events
- bathroom policing
- inappropriate physical contact
- unwelcome physical attention
in relation to, but not limited to:
- race
- color
- national origin
- gender
- gender identity
- gender presentation
- sexual orientation
- age
- body size
- disability
- appearance
- religion
- citizenship
- pregnancy
To report an incident via the NYCC App, tap the NYCC Anti-Harassment Policy icon and follow the steps under Report Harassment. Please fill out the form in as much detail as possible so we can address the situation immediately and thoroughly. If you’re still in the area where the incident took place and it’s safe to stay where you are, our Security Team will meet you there.
If a person engages in harassing behavior, New York Comic Con (NYCC) Staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including expulsion from NYCC with no refund. Our policy applies to EVERYONE at the convention. Exhibitors, Fans (Attendees), Speakers, Guests, Professionals, Press, Staff, Volunteers, and Security are all subject to our anti-harassment policy and will be held to the same standards and disciplinary action.
Anyone can report harassment. If someone’s behavior has made you uncomfortable, or if you witness the same happening to someone else, you should immediately contact NYCC Staff (black shirt with a NYCC Staff Badge), Security Team (yellow shirt) or a Crew Member (blue shirt with a NYCC Crew Badge). You may also come to NYCC’s Show Office or report the incident via the NYCC App.
If necessary, we will contact local law enforcement, provide escort, offer a safe place or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to make sure they feel safe for the rest of NYCC.
Remember: Cosplay is not consent. Keep your hands to yourself. If you would like to take a picture with or of another NYCC Fan, always ask first and respect that person’s right to say no. When at NYCC, be respectful, be nice, be cool, and be kind to each other.
ReedPOP’s mission is to create a fun, safe, welcoming, awesome event where Fans of all kinds can come together and celebrate. We want you to not only have the most amazing weekend ever, but to experience it in an environment where you are safe and accepted. As Fans ourselves, we understand the importance of creating a safe space for everyone who attends NYCC.
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