Latinx House cancels events at SXSW due to coronavirus concerns
AUSTIN, Texas - The Latinx House has decided to cancel its events at SXSW due to concerns about the coronavirus.
The organization issued a statement, saying "it is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel our events at South by Southwest this year."
“Our mission to create a welcoming environment for the Latinx community and our allies begins with our collective health and safety," the statement reads. "In following the latest developments regarding COVID-19, it is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel our events at South by Southwest this year. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by this illness and those who are working to contain and put an end to it.
"Even though we won’t be at SXSW, our mission to amplify the voices of and content created by Latinx artists, entertainers, policy experts, and grassroots organizers continues full steam ahead as we plan our next opportunities for collaboration.”
The organization describes itself as "a gathering place for people who appreciate and support the Latinx community and who celebrate Latinx excellence in film and entertainment."
The Latinx House joins social media companies Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, media company Mashable and software company SAP, who have all decided to cancel events at SXSW due to concerns over the coronavirus.
RELATED: List of companies, speakers that have pulled out of SXSW due to coronavirus
A petition to cancel SXSW has been started on Change.org and as of Wednesday afternoon, had over 44,000 signatures. The person who started says she's concerned about the hundreds of thousands of people who will be traveling to Austin for the conference and festivals.
SXSW posted on their website that they are working with local, state, and federal agencies and will be proceeding with this year's event as planned.
RELATED: Concerns about coronavirus grow as SXSW approaches
"SXSW is working closely on a daily basis with local, state, and federal agencies to plan for a safe event," the website says. "As a result of this dialogue and the recommendations of Austin Public Health, we are proceeding with the 2020 event with the health and safety of our attendees, staff, and volunteers as our top priority."
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