While following Melopoeia‘s link about a bone marrow registry drive at Readercon, one in which I hope you’ll all take part—I know I plan on using the opportunity to sign up—I read something distressing.

After browsing the indicated entry, I then scrolled down the Additional Information page to find the following warning about how harassment would be handled if it were to occur:

Harassment

Readercon has always had a zero-tolerance harassment policy. Until last year, we did not feel it necessary to call attendees’ attention to the details of this policy—but this year we are being explicit.

Harassment of any kind—including physical assault, battery, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome physical attentions—will not be tolerated at Readercon and will result in permanent suspension of membership.

As always, Readercon reserves the right to strip membership at its discretion.

And all I could think was—what does “until last year” mean? Did I miss something last July?

I’ve always found Readercon to be the most accepting of places—which I recognize is an easy statement for me to toss off, considering I’m a 6’4″ privileged white male.

What I’m hoping is that this notice on the part of the committee is not the result of anything that actually happened at Readercon in 2008, but rather a preventative strike to avoid some of the behaviors I’ve heard have cropped up at other conventions recently.

But I’m willing to admit that could be wishful thinking. If I’m wrong, and completely out of the loop, and missed something terrible which happened last year which I could have helped prevent, or if I took some unconscious action myself by either word or deed which might have intimidated others, please, educate me.

I’ve been to every Readercon going back to 1987, and want it to remain a place of safety. If anyone out there has anything to say which would enlighten me, please let me know here, or, if you’d feel more comfortable, privately via e-mail.