Tech evangelist Adria Richards speaks out on recent controversy, social media ‘shaming’ and her firing

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From Black Enterprise:

The cyber debate continues over the recent firing of developer evangelist Adria Richards, but the former SendGrid employee has cleared the air, releasing a statement on Wednesday.

Richards’ decision to out PyCon conference attendees, who made sexual innuendos while sitting behind her, sparked a massive online debate and social media controversy. One of the jokesters was fired, and Richards was let go from SendGrid shortly after.

SendGrid addressed the firing in a statement made on its Facebook page, stating, “While we generally are sensitive and confidential with respect to employee matters, the situation has taken on a public nature. We have taken action that we believe is in the overall best interests of SendGrid, its employees, and our customers.”

Richards has stayed mum about the situation—not tweeting, blogging or releasing any public statements—until now. She released a statement, which All Things D published, [recently]:

Those who know me well in the the developer and tech community recognize that I have always tried to conduct myself in a way that builds bridges for everyone. My central aim is to do everything I can to help create new, inclusive inroads for all, no matter who they are, where they come from or what they believe. Development is about innovation, creativity, and in a grand sense, the betterment of human society through technology. So, it stands to reason that everyone should have a seat at the table, and everyone involved in this vital community should feel welcome, safe and respected. In essence, the worldwide community of developers can and should function as a reflection of what our wider society strives to be.

Read the rest of this story on BlackEnterprise.com.