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Important conversations about respect and sexual harassment are taking place throughout the entertainment world and the KidLit community is no exception. News this past weekend after the wonderful work done by Anne Ursu in Medium and the follow-up commentary in the post by the School Library Journal brought much-needed talk to the forefront, as in this article from Publisher's Weekly. While authors, teachers, educators, booksellers, librarians, publishers and readers comprise the most welcoming and wonderful people, we all want to be sure that everyone feels safe and supported while at events, signings, panels and conferences that celebrate stories and our love of reading.
Change is happening and it's happening now. Akin to the standards being drawn in SFWA and WisCon, the Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators has crafted their newest policy here. I still support the work done by the SCBWI and look forward to continuing action and accountability in our industry going forward.
There's a lot of work to do, but this is a great first step.
*** Also, if I am ever at an event or conference, know that I am someone who will believe you, stand by you, stand up for you, help you get somewhere safe and support you however I can. You are not alone.
