Each week the editorial board reflects on a current issue in Our View. The position taken does not reflect the opinions of everyone on the Hilltop Views staff. This week’s editorial board is composed of Viewpoints Editors Sully Lockett and Kenneth Phipps and Design Chief Paula Santos.

South-by-Southwest recently came under fire because of language in its artists’ contracts.

The contract stated that SXSW will notify “the appropriate immigration authorities” of international acts which violate certain rules put in place by both SXSW and the government. It also says that violation of these rules may result in “immediate deportation” of the artists themselves.

At least one artist, Told Slant, an indie band from Brooklyn, New York, canceled its showcase in retaliation of the contract’s language. SXSW officials have responded that these rules have been in place for years and are only there to protect against things like “truly egregious, such as disobeying our rules about pyrotechnics on stage, starting a brawl in a club” or killing someone, according to SXSW CEO Roland Swenson.

Swenson also reported that the organization has never had to enforce this clause of its artist agreement. Many artists have written open letters urging SXSW to change their policy.

While misuse of pyrotechnics and pub brawling are, indeed, dangerous things to do, the threat of deportation to international artists is unwarranted. Austin’s atmosphere, and public reputation, is one of inclusion and acceptance; it’s a place where creativity can thrive. The language of the current SXSW contract contradicts this.

The editorial board at Hilltop Views holds the view that it shouldn’t be up to the conscience, or indeed within the purview, of any organization outside of the proper federal authorities. When private citizens or corporations take it upon themselves to act as arbiters of the law, abuse and private agendas soon follow.

We allow the government this power because it’s theoretically impartial and sovereign of the desires of any one individual.

Seeing SXSW threaten to have bands deported whose only sin is not paying SXSW their registration fees is akin to seeing a bratty child complain to a parent about not getting their way on some trivial issue.

SXSW has been “dedicated to helping creative people achieve their goals,” as their website claims. So why does it waste its time threatening little bands just trying to make it? They should be doing exactly the opposite.

Reportedly, the festival claims they’re going to change the wording of its artists’ contracts for next year’s events. Hopefully, this will allow us all the ability to enjoy the most hectic week of the year in the city that we love, for the reasons we love it.