[Chaoss-Board] CHAOSS response to FSF

Kate Stewart kstewart at linuxfoundation.org
Thu Apr 1 14:30:38 UTC 2021


Hi Georg,
     "free and open source software" is fine.   Just "open source" on its
own was going to
be missing a key facet.

Kate

On Thu, Apr 1, 2021 at 9:27 AM Georg Link <linkgeorg at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Kate,
>
> Thanks for forwarding the GCC email and suggesting to use "free software".
> How about using "free and open source software" to accommodate the
> intertwined history and relationship?
>
> Best,
> Georg
>
> On Thu, Apr 1, 2021 at 9:05 AM Kate Stewart <kstewart at linuxfoundation.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Also of relevance to consider, that some of the FSF projects are
>> signaling
>> they do not want to be associated with him as well.
>>
>> https://gcc.gnu.org/pipermail/gcc/2021-March/235245.html
>>
>> I'd consider using the term "free software" rather than "open source",
>> as he is actively
>> harming the free software movement,  more than the open source one.
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 1, 2021 at 7:14 AM Sean Goggins <s at goggins.com> wrote:
>>
>>> To the letter drafted below, you may want to add something along the
>>> lines of:
>>>
>>> As a community, we are aware of statements made by RMS in the past that
>>> are exclusionary. Of equal, or perhaps great significance, is that as a
>>> public figure in the open source community who is recognized for
>>> passionately non-inclusive language, welcoming him onto the board of the
>>> FSF would send a strong, and possibly lasting signal that Open Source
>>> Software, in the very largest sense, remains a non-inclusive work context
>>> for many. At CHAOSS, we are working to help advance open source toward a
>>> more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future. In that light, we think it
>>> is critical that we erase any doubt about our guiding principles of a more
>>> diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for open source software. For
>>> those reasons, we ask for the immediate removal of RMS from the Free
>>> Software Foundation Board.
>>>
>>> Possibly too strong. However, my point that RMS is more of a risk to the
>>> future of DEI in open source as a symbol of support for non-inclusivity,
>>> than he is a threat to DEI individually is the main one.
>>>
>>> Sean
>>>
>>> On Mar 31, 2021, at 3:40 PM, Georg Link <linkgeorg at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi CHAOSS Board members,
>>>
>>> In the DEI Working Group call [1] there was discussion about the
>>> recent/ongoing concerns related to RMS rejoining the FSF board. As the DEI
>>> WG is committed to helping organizations and communities center DEI in
>>> their open source work, the question was raised whether CHAOSS could or
>>> should have any response. It is possible that the Linux Foundation is also
>>> responding to this (or already has) and any insight on that would be
>>> helpful too.
>>>
>>> We have three decisions to make and I would love your input.
>>> We don't need to make the choice right now, we can first discuss.
>>> I will voice my own opinion in a response to this email tomorrow.
>>>
>>> *# Decision 1 - YES/NO: Public Statement:* Does CHAOSS make a public
>>> statement?
>>>
>>> Other organizations have publicly stated how they stand on the subject
>>> of bringing RMS back on board but more broadly about expecting respect and
>>> dignity from free software and open source leaders. Examples:
>>>
>>>    - OpenUK:
>>>    https://openuk.uk/openuk-response-to-richard-stallmans-reinstatement-to-fsf-board/
>>>    - RedHat:
>>>    https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/red-hat-statement-about-richard-stallmans-return-free-software-foundation-board
>>>    - Outreachy:
>>>    https://www.outreachy.org/blog/2021-03-23/fsf-participation-barred/
>>>
>>>
>>> *# Decision 2 - YES/NO: Community Communication: *Do we, as the board,
>>> send a message to our community members?
>>>
>>> We are lucky with how inclusive the CHAOSS community is and now might be
>>> a good time to reinforce that this is by design and choice, affirming to
>>> our community members that we value and strive for DEI, respect, and
>>> positive.
>>>
>>> Here is a draft for the CHAOSS mailing list that we can discuss:
>>>
>>> >>>
>>> Hello CHAOSS Community members,
>>>
>>> In light of recent events surrounding the FSF, we wanted to reach out to
>>> our community; specifically those who may feel uncertain what our stance
>>> is. We wanted to assure you that this community does not condone or
>>> tolerate harassment or inappropriate conduct at any time.
>>>
>>> We would also like to extend our sincere thank you to all of you. Your
>>> effort and contributions are what make the CHAOSS community who we are. We
>>> welcome and support everyone.You have all been excellent in creating a
>>> positive environment by:
>>>
>>>    - Using welcoming and inclusive language
>>>    - Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
>>>    - Gracefully accepting constructive criticism
>>>    - Focusing on what is best for the community
>>>    - Showing empathy towards other community members
>>>
>>> Should you notice unacceptable behavior, please use our process in our Code
>>> of Conduct <https://chaoss.community/about/code-of-conduct/> to allow
>>> us to restore the positive environment we are currently enjoying in CHAOSS.
>>> >>>
>>>
>>> Thank you to Matt, Nicole, and Elizabeth for helping with the draft.
>>>
>>>
>>> *# Decision 3 - YES/NO: Sign Open Letter:* Does CHAOSS sign the open
>>> letter to FSF?
>>>
>>> This is the letter: https://rms-open-letter.github.io/
>>>
>>>
>>> What are your thoughts?
>>>
>>> Best,
>>> Georg
>>>
>>> PS: Please remember that the CHAOSS Board mailing list has a public
>>> archive. You can share your thoughts privately with me and other board
>>> members by sending a direct email.
>>>
>>> [1] CHAOSS DEI meeting from 2021-03-24, starting at minute 28:30
>>> <https://youtu.be/L_tuEhyLRt4?t=1714>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Georg Link, PhD
>>> (he/him)
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CHAOSS-members mailing list
>>> CHAOSS-members at lists.linuxfoundation.org
>>> https://lists.linuxfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/chaoss-members
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> CHAOSS-members mailing list
>>> CHAOSS-members at lists.linuxfoundation.org
>>> https://lists.linuxfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/chaoss-members
>>>
>>
>
> --
> Georg Link, PhD
> (he/him)
>
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