Coachella Commits to Initiative Against Sexual Assault and Harassment

Coachella has announced its commitment to Every One, an initiative combatting assault and sexual harassment at the festival, after Teen Vogue reported that the 2018 festival had widespread instances of harassment and predatory behavior.

“We are pushing ourselves and our guests to do better and to be better,” the Every One section of Coachella’s website states. “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.”

“Coachella will NOT tolerate any form of assault or harassment, be it sexual, physical or verbal,” it continues. “Anyone found to be in violation of this policy is subject to immediate removal from the festival site and law enforcement may be notified. The offender’s Festival Wristband may be revoked and no refund will be issued.”

The festival notes specific roles and tasks they will be performing throughout the two-week festival, including deploying “Trained Safety Ambassadors throughout the festival grounds to facilitate access to care services,” tents “staffed with trained counselors for anyone that needs extra support or a quiet moment away,” and “places with program information or people trained in awareness and appropriate response.” They also have a section detailing what attendees can do to ensure a safe environment for all.

Read the full Every One mission statement and guidelines here. The 2019 festival’s lineup was revealed yesterday (Jan. 3)—see how Paste Music writers reacted to it here.