Conventions Cited for Sexual Harassment Issues

Broad Universe Policy

Broad Universe is an educational non-profit dedicated to celebrating the contributions of women and nonbinary people to science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other speculative fiction. As a feminist organization, we are against sexual harassment of anyone, regardless of their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. 

We encourage conventions to take a leadership role in shaping the culture of fandom to prevent harassment. We expect conventions to develop and enforce robust policies to discourage sexual harassments and to effectively train all their volunteers in how to respond to complaints of this nature.

For the Motherboard to take action, we need to know about these issues and appreciate the courage needed to step forward. The identity of the person reporting the complaint will be kept private by the Motherboard, except in cases where the person wants to be identified.

If a Broad is concerned about Broad Universe’s official presence at a particular convention due to a specific convention’s history with sexual harassment, such as a pattern of not dealing with complaints or inviting documented harassers to participate as volunteers or guests, please email the Motherboard. Please include in your email as much information as possible including: 

The Motherboard will investigate the information provided and discuss Broad Universe’s response, up to and including the possibility of officially withdrawing from the convention by canceling any fan tables, dealers room tables or Rapid Fire Reading. 

The Motherboard will communicate the action taken to the person reporting these problems and, if appropriate, the Motherboard will communicate to all Broads, the convention and/or the public. 

Please contact the Motherboard with any questions.

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