Let's not allow tales of extreme behavior and edge cases to distract from the reality that *there have been real and serious issues between members of the origami community*, which means that some people now feel unsafe at community events.
Do we not, as a community, have a responsibility to make sure that everyone is made to feel welcome, that the expected norms are made clear, and that there is a publicized and reliable process for dealing with problems when they do arise? To recognize that there are groups of people who, for all the varied societal reasons, are often marginalized, disrespected, harassed, and assaulted, and find ways to welcome and support them? Since the origami and origami convention world is not unique in having these issues, there have been many efforts to get such policies adopted in a wide range of types of gatherings, and lots of people have written different ones for different communities and situations. OUSA assembled one, and it tries to combine all the functions - from education about the norms, to lots of specifics about dos and don'ts, to the processes for reporting and dealing with a problem. Is it perfect? Probably not, but it's a start. Below is the text of a counter example. It is an intentionally extremely short, tight and simple Code written by a lawyer who covers such issues. What's it missing? Something which serves the education/norm-explanation function - modeling good behavior and explaining boundaries. But it's a really interesting legally-reasonable document. Adopting something like that and perhaps creating some other material to help educate people on what "civil" and "respectful" mean, would go a long way towards creating a pretty good system. Is implementing such a system more work for a convention organizer? Absolutely. But isn't welcoming, protecting and providing a safe place for us *all* to practice our beloved art together worth it? ******************** (https://www.codemag.com/article/1601021/Legal-Notes-Code-of-Conduct) Who is covered? Anyone who is affiliated with this Conference (The "Participant") is expected to conduct oneself in a civil manner and treat any other Participant with respect and civility. (The "Standard of Conduct"). A Participant includes, but is not limited to any Conference attendee, guest, sponsor, or staff. What is covered? The Standard of Conduct is defined by what is deemed to be generally accepted by the Conference; the conference location (the "Venue"); the Venue's own standards of conduct, rules and regulations; or any legal authority of which the Venue or Participant is subject. Any other conduct by a Participant that otherwise disrupts another Participant's Conference experience shall be covered as well. How is this enforced? Only timely and direct reports of violations with sufficient factual details to the Conference can be investigated. Upon investigation, allegations may result in sanctions including, but not limited to expulsion from the Conference and Venue without recourse. Any report deemed to have not been made in good faith or with a reasonable factual basis shall be treated as a violation. Investigations and sanctions imposed shall be conducted and determined in the sole discretion of the Conference. Nothing in this Standard of Conduct interferes with or discourages a Participant from exercising his or her right to contact the Venue and/or law enforcement directly and in such a case the Conference shall fully cooperate with the Venue and law enforcement. ********************
