Hello Rangers—

  A number of you have expressed concerns about a recent Facebook post made by Michael Mikel, a.k.a. Danger Ranger. Although Michael Mikel founded the Rangers in 1992 (for which we remain eternally grateful), we want to clarify that the sentiments expressed in the post are not representative of the official views of the Ranger department.

  While Danger is a member of Burning Man Project’s Board of Directors, he was expressing his own opinions and not speaking on behalf of the organization. It may be worth noting that Michael Mikel came to Burning Man from the Cacophony Society, and his contributions to Burning Man include an anarchist’s joy for stirring the pot. We hope that Michael Mikel will use extra care in the future to avoid creating confusion between personal points of view and official positions of the organization.

  As to the specific viewpoints expressed: Let’s just say this pandemic has sucked. Between illness, loss of income, social isolation, and far too much death, it’s been overwhelming. Although Burning Man Project has already announced Black Rock City 2021 won’t be happening, we want you to know that the Ranger department stood and continues to stand by the vaccine requirement that was part of the 2021 plan we were working towards.

  Many of you have expressed concerns about the public responses to Michael’s post, some of which were uncivil, and in some cases, simply unacceptable, including some from Rangers. A lot of respondents were understandably triggered, but we hope that, moving forward, we can strive to treat each other with decency, regardless of the medium (yes, even on social media!).

  We hope that you will join us in focusing on supporting each other in these trying times, and preparing for BRC 2022.

  Respectfully,
  The Black Rock Ranger Council