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Why SXSW has an online harassment summit

In response to backlash from canceling several online harassment panels, SXSW planned daylong event
Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis talks to reporters after giving a pep talk to campaign volunteers at the north Austin home of Jim Bryce on the eve of the election on Monday November 3, 2014. JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Credit: Jay Janner

Credit: Jay Janner

Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis talks to reporters after giving a pep talk to campaign volunteers at the north Austin home of Jim Bryce on the eve of the election on Monday November 3, 2014. JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN
By Omar L. Gallaga
Updated March 6, 2016

Last October, SXSW Interactive faced a major crisis, receiving criticism from techies and media outlets for canceling two panels related to the topic of gaming and online harassment.

The move caused several media companies including BuzzFeed and Vox Media to threaten a boycott of the festival. SXSW later announced an all-day Online Harassment Summit to take place Saturday, March 12 at the Hyatt Regency.

The 15 sessions feature speakers including Anti-Defamation League national director Jonathan Greenblatt, Google senior counsel Juniper Downs, Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark and former Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis.

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