Human trafficking is like a disease, it spreads throughout the world and slowly creates an impact on everybody's life either big or small. We know that we can never completely end human trafficking, but we can surely reduce the rates and protect as many people as we can. First we need to recognize that human trafficking can even be in the so-called “happiest place in the world”. I for one can’t just stand to the side and watch this disease of violence and inhumanity spread around the world.

According to NBC News, an operation controlled by The Polk County Sheriff's Office along with many other agencies called “Fall Haul 2” has reportedly arrested 108 people and have found connections to 4 employees in Disney World, Florida. One of the offenders is Xavier Jackson, 27, of Kissimmee, allegedly communicated and sent sexual images online and via text with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl. Jackson had the role of a lifeguard at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. This man was a child predator, yet he was working amongst many children at a pool. The other three employees Ralph Leese, 45, Shubham Malave, 27, and Wilakson Fidele, 24 were charged with soliciting a prostitute. 

Arresting these men has slightly reduced online prostitution and trafficking industry and will hopefully lead to identifying the victims, offer them help, and arrest those who are profiting from this crime. 

Every arrest counts.

Disney World is supposed to be a safe place for families, especially children, but when Florida human trafficking rings and predators are making their way into this establishment, safety is impossible. Trafficking involves targeting vulnerable and unsuspecting victims and then recruitment, transportation, harboring, controlling a person to exploit the victim, typically through sexual exploitation or forced labor. Disney World could have the potential of being a gold mine for predators and human traffickers. Spreading awareness and educating all visitors of Disney World you can keep them safe in the park and outside. 

It’s incredibly important to focus on all genders when trying to ensure safety. It's often thought that it's only women and children in danger, but that's not the case. It’s often overlooked how men can experience the same trauma women do when it comes to sex trafficking. This may be because of the lower percentage of 25% of men who were trafficking victims globally. No matter the percentage, all genders deserve recognition and support. 

Let’s keep a fun, innocent, and joyful establishment what it’s meant to be by keeping predators and human traffickers out to create a safe environment for all families and visitors. 

You may be wondering how we do this. 

Starting with deeper dives into potential employees, create a system where Disney World can get a full background of who the person may be. Criminal background checks, calling references, and extensive interviews can decrease the risk of hiring a predator. Disney World employers should have a deep understanding of the aspiring employee and have confidence that this person is not a danger to the happy visitors of this park. Secondly, putting up educational posters relating to ways for preventing human trafficking around the park for visitors to see and learn. These ways may include when accosted by someone, make a big scene to attract attention, don’t walk alone, don’t share personal information with strangers, and always be aware of your surroundings. The smallest things do make a difference and could save a human life. First we make Disney World a safer place, next the world. 

First difference you can make is signing this petition. By signing this petition we can make the people of Disney World aware that we want more effort to ensure safety.

Let’s make Disney World the happiest and safest it can be.