Dark Horse Comics has issued a statement detailing its new anti-harassment, anti-discrimination policies. The Oregon-based comic book publisher explains that it has employed a third-party human resources consultant and remains "deeply committed to positive change in the workplace."
"With the help of outside HR Consultant, McGeachy Consulting, Dark Horse leadership has been reflecting, discussing and implementing new and updated policies to ensure the safety, happiness, and well-being of all employees," Dark Horse said in a statement posted to Twitter.
Dark Horse explains that it has implemented numerous measures, including an "updated Code of Conduct policy" that all employees, creators and business partners are asked to abide by; a "more in-depth" anti-harassment, anti-discrimination policy, including a "clear reporting policy" across all departments and divisions of the company; a new Employee Relations Committee; a new HR Executive Committee; and a "culture document" detailing company values with the aim to "define and inspire our workplace culture."
"Beginning this year, an annual series of harassment and discrimination prevention training sessions will be implemented for all our employees," Dark Horse said. "Dark Horse will continue taking the necessary steps forward to prevent harassment and discrimination within the workplace. We can and will do better.
"We are optimistic about the future as we continue to improve and update our company policies," the publisher continued. "It continues to be our goal to be a company in which every single person feels valued and where every person feels same from harassment or discrimination of any kind. While there is more work to be done in the many months ahead, we remain deeply committed to positive change in the workplace."
Last year, Dark Horse became the subject of controversy when former editor Shawna Gore accused editor Scott Allie of prolonged sexual misconduct. Following Gore's statement, Dark Horse severed ties with Allie, vowing not to work with him in the future. Mike Mignola, creator of Dark Horse's flagship title Hellboy, cut ties with Allie as well.
If you are a U.S.-based victim of sexual assault or misconduct in need of help, contact RAINN at 800-656-4673 to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. If you are based outside the U.S., click here for a list of international sexual assault resources.
Source: Twitter\@DarkHorseComics