On behalf of the boards of YALLFest and YALLWEST, we’d like to express our admiration for the
On behalf of the boards of YALLFest and YALLWEST, we’d like to express our admiration for the brave people who have come forward to address the problem of sexual harassment in the children’s book industry. While we have long had a harassment policy in place, we know we can do more to make our festivals safe and comfortable for all presenters and all attendees. To that end we are actively reviewing our policies and programs, and creating a code of conduct that we will expect ourselves and all festival participants to abide by. As writers for young people, we have a special responsibility to model respectful and collegial conduct, and to make sure we are doing to our best to promote the values of equality and compassion. And of course to make sure no one gets hurt. We can do better and we will. Sincerely,Andria Amaral, Leigh Bardugo, Pseudonymous Bosch AKA Raphael Simon, Ally Condie, Melissa de la Cruz, Kami Garcia, Alexander London, Marie Lu, Tahereh Mafi, Richelle Mead, Brendan Reichs, Ransom Riggs, Veronica Roth, Jonathan Sanchez, Holly Goldberg Sloan and Margaret Stohl -- source link