I am deeply sorry

Update effective October 16, 2019: DataCamp commissioned an independent, third-party review of the events of October 2017, led by Anurima Bhargava, a former Department of Justice official in the Obama administration, and Pamela Coukos from Working IDEAL. Their report also examines the company’s response in the months that followed, and the overall climate and culture at the company. You can read the report in its entirety here. Key findings from the report are also summarized on the DataCamp blog here.

I want to apologize to a former employee, our employees, and our community. I have failed you twice. First in my behavior and second in my failure to speak clearly and unequivocally to you in a timely manner. I am sorry.

To the former DataCamp employee, I am deeply sorry for any pain I have caused you. I am ashamed that I failed to recognize the imbalance of power that exists within a company. I never intended to make you uncomfortable or cause you harm, and I accept responsibility for the repercussions of my actions and the impact they have had on your personal and professional life.

To DataCamp’s employees, I am sorry that my behavior that night has cast a shadow over the incredible work you’ve done. Many of you joined DataCamp to improve data fluency and positively impact the world by reaching millions of students. I recognize that this situation has put many of you in a difficult position and that it’s not what you signed up for.

To our community, I apologize to DataCamp’s instructor community for the impact my behavior has had on you. You are the lifeblood of DataCamp and have worked tirelessly towards our common goal to improve data fluency around the world. You welcomed us and evangelized on our behalf. I am grateful for everything you have given and continue to give DataCamp. I feel ashamed about this incident and I regret not being transparent with you as a result.

Moving forward, my highest priority is to restore trust in DataCamp. For that reason, I will step down as CEO indefinitely while the company establishes an Instructor Advisory Board, and an independent third party conducts a full review of the company’s environment and culture, including its response to the incident. DataCamp’s Board and Instructor Advisory Board will determine the best path forward for the company. More details will be provided later today by the company’s Board.

Over the last six years, as a co-founder of DataCamp, I poured my heart and soul into democratizing data science education and I acknowledge that I have made mistakes along the way.

Please know that I am deeply committed to our community and shared mission, and sincerely hope these first steps will help to regain your trust.

—Jonathan Cornelissen