DGR Statement

The members of the organizing committee for the 4th Annual Law & Disorder Conference 2013 would like to address matters regarding the conflict between members of Deep Green Resistance Portland (DGR-PDX) and other attendees and participants. Members of the L&D steering committee were unfamiliar with DGRs staunch transphobic tendencies.  In the past few conferences we have not monitored our tabling but simply left out tables for people to set up in good hopes that we would not have discriminatory groups and that we would generally monitor for that as well as taking direction from our attendees.  Now that we are aware of DGR’s views, we will not allow DGR to attend and will now monitor all tabling to ensure that groups commit to our safer space policy that is stated on our website. (lawandisorer.wordpress.com).  

We want to thank all members of the community that have informed and enlightened us to DGR’s role in promoting transphobia. We deeply apologize to all that were triggered by DGR’s presence. We would like to use this conflict as an opportunity to create dialogue about transphobia as well as other issues around marginalized groups. It is our understanding that this incident is resulting in DGR members having to own up to their views, and that some members of DGR Portland have left the group in protest to these views – we applaud this and stand in solidarity with them.

We would also like to make it clear that we take the safety of everyone at the conference seriously and regret that anyone felt threatened, for any reason. On Saturday, one of our organizers was approached by a member of DGR after they saw her visibly upset for unknown reasons. During this exchange, details surrounding the conflict remained vague, however the organizer proceeded to ask if they would be interested in attempting a process of mediation. The DGR member did not feel this necessary and the organizer agreed not to act on the conflict unless otherwise contacted.

After the issue was brought up to the rest of the organizing collective, it became clear that there were other safety concerns from conference attendees regarding DGR’s views on gender. The next day DGR contacted the collective, and expressed that they wished to have a statement issued. One of the organizers posted a statement based on his interpretation of the events on facebook. The statement addressed safety concerns on behalf of all parties involved, and made it clear that we reject DGR’s transphobic views.

On Sunday we were pleased to see a successful confrontation take place between concerned conference attendees and members of DGR. A group of about 15 individuals confronted DGR on their perpetuation of transphobia and the need for them to hold themselves accountable as well as the need to hold Lierre Keith and Derrek Jensen accountable. There is a video that documents this confrontation, with it ending in recommendations for DGR members to further their education on transgender issues, and develop a broader gender analysis.

The conference is meant to create constructive conversations that help us all to become better revolutionaries, to combat oppression, and to foster a culture of true solidarity. We hope that these conversations continue. We are taking the conflict with DGR seriously, and making efforts to address safety concerns. We hope that the spreading of misinformation does not overshadow the positive, informative, and inspiring events that took place over the weekend. We were very pleased with the amazing workshops, and panels throughout the weekend, and received a lot of positive feedback from conference presenters and attendees.

We would like to thank everyone who presented at the conference, everyone who helped with childcare and food, and everyone who attended. It was everyone’s contribution that made this event possible. See y’all next year!

FOR TOTAL LIBERATION!  FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!  FIRE TO THE PRISONS!  & FREE THE LAND!

In solidarity,

2013 Law & Disorder Conference Steering Committee

REVOLUTIONARY GREETINGS!

This years 4th Annual Law & Disorder 2013 was a huge success!   We thank and appreciate all of the conference participants and attendees alike!  Without YOU there would be no conference.  ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!  FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!  ABOLISH ALL PRISONS NOW!  & TOTAL LIBERATION! 

 IN REVOLUTIONARY STRUGGLE!   ~Law & Disorder Steering Committee

4th Annual Law and Disorder Conference Announcement!!

This years 4th annual Law and Disorder Conference will  

be at Portland State University May 10-12th 2013!!

For more information, questions, comments,

and find out how to volunteer:  

lawandisorder@gmail.com

Saferer Space Policy

Law and Disorder recognizes that issues of privilege and oppression exist in society both socially and institutionally. Through education, skill-sharing and advocacy, we work to create a safe and accessible space that values and builds common understanding and solidarity. We strive to make the conference welcoming, engaging and supportive to everyone by asking conference organizers and participants to be conscious of their words and actions. All forms of aggression based on one’s age, gender, sexual identity, religion, race/ ethnicity, or ability will not be tolerated.

In accordance with this safer space policy, if anyone in attendance feels that the group space is unsafe or oppressive, we encourage them to address the situation mindfully. If the situation needs further assistance, the conference’s security volunteers will assist in an attempt at mediation, which includes accountability and deliberation. If the oppressive behavior persists, the person/s will be asked to leave the space.