As the Kingdom Seneschal for Æthelmearc, let me say this unequivocally – racism and prejudice have no place here.

This is a rough period across the country and across our lands. I love how much we have pulled together in this time of the plague and been kind to each other, reaching across the void to be with each other, teaching each other things virtually, etc. There is much joy and goodness in Æthelmearc.

However, we are not perfect. So, let me say it again, in this time of difficulty, and loudly so it will be heard in the back – racism and prejudice have no place in Æthelmearc. While that is an obvious statement to make for when we have events, I want to be clear that it also means virtually and on social media too.

I remind everyone of the SCA’s code of conduct which include the following tenets: to “act in accordance with the chivalric virtues of honor and service”, to “value and respect the worth and dignity of all individuals”, and to “practice inclusiveness and respect pluralism and diversity”.

I ask that you look deep within yourselves, all of us, Peers, Populace, Royalty, Officers, every last one of us, to think about we can do, individually, to make Æthelmearc an even greater and safer Kingdom for all people.

With love and respect,

Illadore