WHAT IS OPERATION PURPLE LIGHT?
Operation Purple Light is a movement to create safer spaces for in-person interaction at conferences and events. Our hope is that while we may start with the HR/People/Talent industry, this movement expands to all industries.
FROM THE FOUNDER
“A few months ago in a safe space, someone shared their story with me about a time at a conference where they were drugged and assaulted. This experience happened at an HR/People/Talent conference. And it blew my mind.
As a seasoned HR leader, I had heard from friends about behavior like druggings, sexual harassment, and sexual assault at other industry conferences in the sales, construction, etc., spaces.
But my industry, the one that I've called home for 15 years, the one where we are supposed to be taking care of humans - in the HR/People/Talent space?
I had missed this. This was an unconscious bias that I had for our industry, where I thought it was safer than it was.
One data point doesn't make a trend, but once I heard the first story, then I continued to ask questions and listen at scale.
What I found was that this predatory behavior was - and continues to be - prevalent.
And once I fully learned about the pervasiveness, I couldn't stand still. I couldn't unsee it. I had to do something.
That's where Operation Purple Light began.”
— Anessa Fike, Founder
OPERATION PURPLE LIGHT CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to become certified, one of the items required is to have each and every attendee sign a Code of Conduct.
Before we dive into the guidelines, we want to be upfront about something important. Over the years, you've probably come across numerous codes of conduct, and let's be honest, most of us haven't given them a second thought. Here's the truth: too often, these codes of conduct become empty words, filed away in the archives of cyberspace to prevent someone, somewhere from getting sued.
We get it, and we've been there too. But Operation Purple Light isn't just another one of those documents. It's not a mere formality, nor is it a checkbox to complete. It's a living commitment, and we need your active participation to make it work.
Now, let's face the music of our current reality – a tune that’s been playing silently for far too long. Our gatherings have been clouded by incidents we'd rather not admit – drugging, assault, harassment, and discrimination. We’ve all seen signs of trouble, but how often have we turned a blind eye? By remaining silent, we have unknowingly endorsed the bad behavior, resulting in a reality where bad behavior is no longer the exception, but the rule. This is not the legacy we aspire to pass on to those who follow. The call for transformation is clear, and it begins with our collective voice, in this moment, in this place.
Operation Purple Light isn't just another set of rules; it's a movement and a call to action – a plea for each of you to actively join us in creating a conference environment built on safety, respect, and accountability. We are confronting a pervasive problem – a culture that has been too lenient with behaviors that undermine our collective well-being and dignity. This journey isn't about mere rule-following; it's a movement to reshape the norms and expectations of our gatherings. We need each and every one of you to be a cornerstone of this transformative change.
In the world today, the most precious thing is your attention. I urge you, to please give us 4 minutes of your time, undivided. Don't see this as a formality, but as a critical step towards a new normal where physical and psychological safety aren’t nice to haves, but need to haves. If you have questions or uncertainties, don't hesitate to voice them. Your engagement isn't just appreciated; it's essential for us to bring about meaningful and lasting change.
WHO:
This Code applies to everyone involved – attendees, speakers, vendors, staff, influencers – encompassing all aspects of our conference and related activities. It applies to everyone, regardless of experience or level. If you bring a guest to an event or after-party, it's your responsibility to ensure they understand the rules.
WHAT:
Active Engagement: We're calling for a shift from passivity to action. When you encounter behavior that undermines our values of respect and safety, don't just walk away. Act, speak up, be the change.
Examples for Understanding:
If you overhear a sexist joke, instead of staying silent challenge it by saying, "That's not okay. Can you please stop?”
If you see someone being made uncomfortable, step in, ask if they're okay, offer support. It can be as simple as saying, "Are you alright?"
We’ve conditioned ourselves to ignore that “gut feeling” telling us something is wrong. When it comes to people’s safety, it’s incredibly important to listen to what your body is telling you. So many people have come forward to us with stories of ignoring intuition to later find their friends were drugged, assaulted, or raped at conferences. They have shared the guilt they have felt often for years, for ignoring the little voice that said something isn’t right. At the end of the day could you be reading a situation incorrectly? Sure, but what if you stop someone from being assaulted? What if you discover your friend drinking a tonic water had rohypynol slipped in her drink and were able to intervene and get her back to her hotel room safely before something happened? When it comes to safety, we need to focus on getting it right, not being right. Ask the question, check in, see something, say something.
Digital Reporting for Comfort: We understand that some people may not feel comfortable with confronting the situation directly. We have created a digital platform where you can report anonymously or not, your concern, and we will follow up on it for you. We also have Operation Purple Light Allies throughout the conference, these individuals have been trained and commit to coming along side of you if you need help speaking up. Your voice matters, in whatever form it takes.
WHEN:
The entirety of the conference - including breakfast events, after-hour events, interactions in the hotel bar, in the elevators, etc. Once you register for the event and up until the moment you leave
HOW:
Respectful Interactions: Every word, gesture, and post should be rooted in respect. Offensive comments or actions aren't just inappropriate; they go against our principles.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Harassment isn't limited to physical acts. It includes any unwelcome verbal or digital behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Diversity and Inclusion: Discrimination isn't just about major gestures; it's also in the subtle comments and actions. Celebrate our differences; don't use them to divide.
Immediate Action: Simply observing passively is no longer an option. Engage, report, support – your actions matter.
Physical Safety: Any form of physical harm, intimidation, or unwanted contact is a severe breach of trust.
Substance Misuse: Non-consensual drugging or substance misuse is illegal and a grave violation of our code.
Online Conduct: Digital harassment or privacy violations are as serious as physical ones.