On 3/30/21 5:28 PM, Jonathan Wiltshire wrote:
CHOICE TEXT FOLLOWS: This is a position statement of the Debian Developers in accordance with our constitution, section 4.1.5. The Developers firmly believe that leaders in any prominent organisation are, and should be, held to the highest standards of accountability. We are disappointed that issues of transparency and accountability in the governance of the Free Software Foundation have led to unresolved and serious complaints of impropriety by its founder Richard Stallman over a number of years whilst in the position of president and as a member of the board. In particular, we are deeply concerned that the board saw fit to reinstate him without properly considering the effect of its actions on those complainants. The Developers acknowledge that people make mistakes but believe that where those people are in leadership positions, they must be held accountable for their mistakes. We believe that the most important part of making mistakes is learning from them and changing behaviour. We are most concerned that Richard and the board have not sufficiently acknowledged or learned from issues which have affected a large number of people and that Richard remains a significant influence on both the FSF board and the GNU project. We call upon the Free Software Foundation to further steps it has taken in March 2021 to overhaul governance of the organisation, and to work tirelessly to ensure its aim is fulfilled. We believe that only through properly accountable governance can members of an organisation ensure their voice is heard. The Free Software Foundation must do everything in its power to protect its staff and members, and the wider community, including a robust and transparent process for dealing with complaints. We urge Richard Stallman and the remaining members of the board which reinstated him, to consider their positions. The Developers are proud that contributors to free software come from all walks of life and that our diverse experience and opinions are a strength of software freedom. But we must never cease in our efforts to ensure that all contributors are treated with respect, and that they feel safe and secure in our communities - including when we meet in person. END CHOICE TEXT
Seconded. Signed this time. Ugh! -- Richard
Attachment:
OpenPGP_signature
Description: OpenPGP digital signature