Changes to Tailsfan101’s Role on Scioly.org

[aakoala]

First, we’d like to apologize for taking so long with this very important decision. The Scioly.org staff believe that this is a situation that needed to be handled with care and sensitivity. We hope to set a precedent here that will help the Scioly.org community thrive and grow in the future.

After much consideration, the Scioly.org staff have voted for the removal of Tailsfan101 from his position as a Wiki Moderator and Exalted member.

Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive community for anyone interested in Science Olympiad. Tailsfan101’s messages to members of our site have stated or implied that LGBTQ+ people are immoral if they live according to their identity. Such messages are not consistent with our mission.

We did not take this decision lightly. We knew many in our community were upset with Tailsfan101 when he first shared his beliefs last September. Since then, we have engaged Tailsfan101 multiple times in respect-building exercises so that he could learn how to be respectful to the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately, Tailsfan101 continued to send messages that were hurtful towards our LGBTQ+ users and the LGBTQ+ community at large. We deeply regret that our training exercises failed to prevent Tailsfan101 from making hurtful statements, and we apologize for the pain that he has caused. The decision of our vote reflects that we neither approve of his insensitive actions, nor believe he can retain his former statuses while maintaining community trust.

Additionally, we thank the members of the community who submitted information and feedback for our staff to consider. Your opinions and feedback have been invaluable in deciding a course of action in this situation.

Although Tailsfan101 is no longer a staff member, we ask that all discussion about this decision on the Forums and Discord remain civil. Please remember to remain respectful and open-minded in light of this decision.

Please refer to staff members if you have any other questions or concerns.