Coachella has announced Every One, a new initiative to combat assault and harassment at the festival, as the Los Angeles Times reports. “We are pushing ourselves and our guests to do better and to be better,” the Every One section of the Coachella website reads. “We are taking deliberate steps to develop a festival culture that is safe and inclusive for everyone. Persons of any gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, age or ability are welcome at Coachella.”

It continues: “Coachella will NOT tolerate any form of assault or harassment, be it sexual, physical or verbal. Anyone found to be in violation of this policy is subject to immediate removal from the festival site and law enforcement may be notified.”

Coachella has also announced that “Trained Safety Ambassadors” will be on site to “facilitate access to care services for anyone in distress,” and that “Every One tents will be staffed with trained counselors for anyone that needs extra support or a quiet moment away.” There will also be all-gender restrooms on the festival grounds.

While the festival’s Code of Conduct does not address assault or harassment directly, it includes a point that bans “participating in any activity that humiliates anyone or insults their human dignity.”

Last year’s Coachella featured reports of widespread sexual misconduct. At the time of last year’s festival, Coachella did not have any specific language on its website regarding sexual assault or harassment.

When reached by Pitchfork for comment, a Coachella representative shared a statement from Veline Mojarro, the festival’s Equity, Safety and Inclusion Consultant. “Everyone from staff to festival-goer is imperative in co-creating a festival culture that not only keeps everyone safe, but respected and included,” Mojarro said. “We are excited to be partnering with professional service providers, local community members, and experts in the field of social equity and sexual harassment prevention to launch our Every One initiative. We believe in a festival culture that encourages active consent, inclusivity, and community responsibility.”

https://pitchfork.com/news/coachella-announces-new-initiative-fighting-assault-and-harassment