[MR] Important Notice re: Banned from SCA Events

[Kalisa Aleksandrovna]

Lords and Ladies of the Tavern,
  
I am writing with concerns about some of the postings that have appeared in the last couple of days regarding banning individuals from SCA events.  This is a subject that is close to my heart, as I have personally dedicated my career to advocating for individuals with disabilities and with mental illness.  More specifically, I represent individuals who are alleged to be dangerous to themselves or others due to mental illness or who have been found Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity of a criminal offense. I am the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, and I strive to represent these individuals zealously and help them to maintain their dignity. 
  
After reading through the prior posts, I have seen that there has been private health related information that has been posted, without the consent of the individual involved.  Please keep in mind when posting, that individuals with disabilities have the right to privacy, and posting any information about their diagnoses, hypothetical or real, violates that person’s rights.  It is even more egregious when those posting are relaying inaccurate information or assumptions.  Things that are posted on the internet will be out there for the public to view indefinitely.  I personally would not want my private health information dispersed in such a fashion.   
  
I recognize that all who have posted are doing so with the best of intentions to try to assist certain individuals so that they may be able to continue to interact at future events and stay involved. However, in certain situations, this may not be possible.  Unfortunately, some people may require more guidance and supervision than people in the SCA are able to provide in order to maintain their safety and the safety of those around them.  Also, please keep in mind that creating special contact lists that can be used as a reference by sponsors/caregivers/parents may create additional problems that may not be readily apparent at first glance.  We need to be very careful that we are not creating the appearance that we are able to provide special care and attention that is best left to mental health professionals.  I recognize that there are many with special skills that are willing to assist, but we also need to be aware that the SCA is an organization
 that comes with potential dangers.  In addition to weapons used for heavy fighting and rapier, there are many tools and other items that could potentially be dangerous to individuals if not used properly. 
  
Please trust that your Kingdom Seneschal and your King and Queen are working diligently to obtain accurate information to try to make an informed decision to best ensure the safety of people at SCA events as well as the individual involved.  The best thing that you can all do is to stop posting online and/or delete any of your prior posts.  As Mistress Alesia has indicated previously, please contact her directly if you have any direct knowledge of this situation or if you have any questions.  Please respect the rights of this particular individual and allow him to maintain his dignity and privacy. 
  
In Service, 
  
Countess Kalisa Aleksandrovna