Zero tolerance
I know this is a this post will push a lot of buttons. My intent is not to raise any questions of who was right or wrong, or to re-open an original discussion. But to look at what happens next.
A Bi-event was cancelled this year.
With this cancellation (and the events leading to it) the spectres of bullying, intimidation and trans-phobia were been raised, from some members of our community to others.
If any of they had been raised in the workplace, this would have been grounds for serious investigation.
If the accusations of bullying or discrimination were found to be upheld there would be consequences, and steps taken to ensure the behaviour was changed.
If the accusations were found to be unjust there would be a clearing of the names of those involved, and actions to address misunderstandings, resolve the conflict, and bring the people involved to a common understanding.
It was amazing to see how quickly people pulled together to arrange alternative events - and that is a great sign of the community working well.
I just think we should not forget the reasons the event was cancelled, and we should be asking,
How do we apply the principle of zero tolerance to bullying and discrimination?
When there are accusations as serious as discrimination and bullying how do we establish if these are justified?
And when we know if an accusation is justified (or unjust) what action should we take?
Painful as this is, If we want the bi-community to be safe space, I think we have to have the discussion about what happens when that safe space is violated.
A Bi-event was cancelled this year.
With this cancellation (and the events leading to it) the spectres of bullying, intimidation and trans-phobia were been raised, from some members of our community to others.
If any of they had been raised in the workplace, this would have been grounds for serious investigation.
If the accusations of bullying or discrimination were found to be upheld there would be consequences, and steps taken to ensure the behaviour was changed.
If the accusations were found to be unjust there would be a clearing of the names of those involved, and actions to address misunderstandings, resolve the conflict, and bring the people involved to a common understanding.
It was amazing to see how quickly people pulled together to arrange alternative events - and that is a great sign of the community working well.
I just think we should not forget the reasons the event was cancelled, and we should be asking,
How do we apply the principle of zero tolerance to bullying and discrimination?
When there are accusations as serious as discrimination and bullying how do we establish if these are justified?
And when we know if an accusation is justified (or unjust) what action should we take?
Painful as this is, If we want the bi-community to be safe space, I think we have to have the discussion about what happens when that safe space is violated.