How any organization responds to sexual misconduct allegations is important. But reacting is never enough. VICE needs to place new, stronger preventative measures in place. These should including better education about acceptable workplace behavior, more clarity on what resources are available to those who experience or witness misconduct, and a commitment to regular, ongoing evaluation of workplace safety and professionalism.
If these require new staffing, a reworking of senior management, or additional resources being made available to the staff already here, these must be prioritized.
While we have had a strong working relationship with the editorial leadership at VICE’s New York headquarters, and while our personal experiences have been safe and positive, VICE is a global media company, with dozens of offices across the world.
Protections must be put in place not just here in New York, but also in our global satellite offices. Additionally, the safety of employees must be made paramount when considering future expansion into new markets. We love our office and feel safe here, and we need assurance that security will extend to everyone who works under VICE’s banner.
As a media company, VICE often reports on uncomfortable, difficult matters, and it is important that a policy is in place to inform its workers that they may encounter potentially upsetting material. However, as written currently, the non-traditional workplace agreement is vague at best and odious at worst.
The purpose of such an agreement should be to allow reporters the freedom to investigate complex, often unpleasant topics, but lines like “I agree to hold VICE harmless from any and all claims I may have based upon VICE’s workplace environment…” are irresponsible and provide cover for bad actors. This not only puts people in direct danger, but also actively discourages those who would report misconduct from doing so.
This agreement must be re-evaluated and revised. Full stop.
When Gawker closed in 2016, it brought to light a punitive legal strategy that risks to derail vital journalism. We are grateful that this has not stopped incredible reporting about powerful figures, work that has inspired us, and stories that bring to light the machinations of the powerful.
In 2017 these stories all come at increased legal risk, and in light of the the allegations published by The Daily Beast, any attempt to speak truth to power will now come with questions about VICE’s credibility. In the face of these challenges, we seek a re-commitment from senior management of the importance of reporting on difficult topics, including stories about sexual misconduct, and a commitment of meaningful material resources to pursue those stories.
Patrick Klepek
Danielle Riendeau
Austin Walker
Natalie Watson
Rob Zacny