The Atheist Community of Austin

The Atheist Community of Austin produces multiple shows weekly that use a call-in format to allow the exploration of ideas and afford opportunities to confront bigotry, hatred, and prejudice.

One of ACA’s programs recently took a live call from an individual who had, in the past, personally attacked, by doxxing, harassing, and blackmailing, show hosts who are associated with another ACA program. We regret allowing this caller on an ACA show and apologize for any distress it may have caused. The caller’s behaviors are inconsistent with ACA’s values and we are concerned that allowing this caller airtime for any topic, on any ACA show, contradicts the ACA’s core positions. 

The ACA is rigorously reviewing our policies to protect against a recurrence of this issue and further clarify show caller protocols. We are making these changes to safeguard our hosts and volunteers, to reinforce our commitment to our Position Statements,¹ and to remove opportunities for individuals intent on finding venues to humiliate or harass others.

Personally identifiable information has been removed to protect the identity of the individuals targeted. 

¹ ACA Position Statements include the following. Full text available. 

PRIMARY POSITIONS

• Religion-Government Separation

• Human Rights

SECONDARY POSITIONS

• Religious Displays

• Creationism and Intelligent Design

• Public Education

• Reproductive Rights

• Trans Rights Are Human Rights

• LGBTQ Equality