[Imc] IMC Staffers Please Read!

[Paul Riismandel]

The Short Story:  Tonight a small group of us tried to talk to 'Doug' (the 
guy who uses the computer all the time) about his behavior and computer 
squatting to no avail.  As a result 'Doug' was told that he is not welcome 
back unless he brings us some documentation that he is under the care of a 
social service or a mental health care provider. This week, if he comes in 
this week please ask him to leave--nicely, politely, but firmly (it may 
take a couple of requests).  If he is uncooperative you should feel free to 
call the police.  There will be further discussion about this at Sunday's 
Steering meeting.

The Explanation (or the Long Story):

As requested at the steering group meeting on Sunday, Mike L., Pauline, 
Brian and I, with Brian leading the discussion, tried to talk with 'Doug' 
this evening about his inappropriate behavior and squatting of the 
computer.  Unfortunately he was unable to be rationale with us, dodging 
questions about himself and what specific things he is looking for at the 
IMC, instead giving us stories about how he owns the IMC, WEFT and other 
places, wants his equipment back and that we're all under arrest and should 
be in court.  He told us his name is not Doug, and gave us another name 
telling us to check with his office at Carle (a quick call says there's 
nobody there by the name he gave us).

As we discussed at Sunday's meeting, when 'Doug' refused to talk with us 
further and started to leave, Brian told him that if he was unwilling to 
talk with us then he would need to bring back some printed documentation 
that he is under the care or supervision of a social service or mental 
health care provider (so that we might better be able to deal with and/or 
fairly accommodate him).  Brian repeated this to him several times before 
he finally left, unwilling to talk.

The four of us decided that we need to adhere to what we told 'Doug' if it 
is to have any effect, and perhaps lead him to deal with us 
reasonably.  Therefore it is important for all IMC Staffers to not allow 
'Doug' to use the IMC this week unless he brings some type of documentation 
about who he is and about what care he is under (if any).  If he comes, 
please ask him to leave.  Do be as polite and kind as you can, but also be 
firm.  It may take a little prodding.  If he refuses to leave, then you 
should call the police to have him removed.

For those of you who were not at the Steering Group meeting -- we discussed 
this issue for quite some time, especially given that 'Doug' has had a few 
more loud outbursts in the last few weeks.  There was a common desire to 
not just simply kick anyone out, and in this particular case to try and see 
if there is a way for 'Doug' to be a part of the IMC, while limiting 
behavior that may be objectionable or threatening.  There seemed to be a 
consensus to treat 'Doug' fairly, especially since he appears to suffer 
from some type of emotional or mental disability, but that this also needs 
to be balanced against the need to make sure the IMC is a safe and inviting 
space for IMC staff and our visitors.  Unfortunately, right now, 'Doug' and 
his behavior are contributing to making the IMC uncomfortable for staff and 
visitors.  Nobody wants to call the police on someone, but we must 
recognize this as a possible necessity if someone refuses to be reasonable 
and respectful to the IMC and its volunteers.

The IMC has to quickly develop a method and/or policy for dealing with this 
and similar situations in a fair, sensible manner, that takes into account 
the needs and rights of visitors, IMC members and volunteers.  The more 
people who contribute to this discussion, the better we will be able to 
develop a consensus around a reasonable solution.  This is on Sunday's 
steering group agenda, so I personally ask as many of you to attend as 
possible.

--Paul