“As platforms and users, we are all responsible for shaping a more respectful and inclusive digital world."
Image: Photo of a life without Barriers Office. The text says " We are taking a break from Twitter. #WeRejectRacism"
Since May 26, Life Without Barriers has paused Twitter as a result of escalating racism, harm and targeted attacks that are currently unmanaged by the platform.
This move comes a week after Wiradjuri, Dharawal & Gurrawin man Stan Grant, stepped away from Q+A.
"I think we have to reflect on what a true ally really is."
"I think we can do better than just stepping in with our voices once someone like Stan makes a decision to step away. Let's embrace truth telling - Stan has been forced to deal with racism for years whilst in full view of the Australian public." Said Claire Robbs, Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers.
You can read our full thread here and below on the Twitter Pause.
“We use social media at Life Without Barriers to support, engage and promote true social purpose and social justice.
“As platforms and users, we are all responsible for shaping a more respectful and inclusive digital world.
“It’s our duty to nurture constructive debate that advances our country and elevates opportunity for all.
“That also means firmly denouncing any form of harm, including racism, discrimination and targeted attacks.
“We believe we have to make a choice about the environments in which we seek to collaborate on social justice and, for now, we do not see Twitter as a safe and constructive place to do that.
“As an organisation, we believe to be true allies, we must take action and, in the foreseeable future, that means suspending our engagement on it.
“We encourage Twitter to step forward in its leadership and foster a platform that connects us with the appropriate safety necessary in the national and global environment.
“Life Without Barriers will continue to share, support and engage in discussions via LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.”
Claire Robbs has also paused her Twitter engagement saying "Social Media doesn't have to be destructive. But to achieve a more respectful dialogue, it requires the efforts of leadership at each platform, like Twitter, to do better."
We are not the first organisation to take a stand against Twitter. SBS' NITV has also stepped away from Twitter. Read the post from NITV here.
We will continue to lean into social purpose and justice, including our support of #Yes23, on:
