Earlier we approached them words that Richard Stallman was leading free software supporters. It was in response to the fierce cancellation campaign that corporations and political activists organized against him. TThe Free Software Foundation also decided to go out and give explanations and did so in the same place web than RMS.
FSF gives explanations
Under the title "FSF Board Statement on the Election of Richard Stallman" the entity published:
The voting members of the Free Software Foundation, including the board of directors, voted to nominate Richard Stallman to a seat on the council after several months of exhaustive discussion and thoughtful deliberation.
It is clear that such a controversial decision would not have been taken if it were not unanimous. The reasons for the decision are explained below.
We decided to bring RMS back because we missed his wisdom. His historical, legal, and technical insight into free software is unrivaled. He has a deep sensitivity to the ways in which technologies can contribute to both the improvement and the diminution of basic human rights. Its worldwide network of connections is invaluable. He remains the most eloquent philosopher and an unquestioned defender of freedom in computing.
They continue with the unnecessary genuflection towards the dictatorship of the politically correct.
RMS acknowledges that it has made mistakes. He sincerely regrets, especially how the anger he generated against him has negatively impacted the reputation and mission of the FSF. Although his personal style remains problematic for some, most of the board feel that his behavior has been tempered and believe that his thinking strengthens the work of the FSF in pursuit of its mission.
They then acknowledge that they screwed up.
We take full responsibility for how poorly we handled the news of your election to a board position.. We had planned an information flow that was not executed on time or delivered in the proper sequence.
FSF staff should have been informed and consulted first. The RMS announcement on LibrePlanet was a complete surprise to the staff, to all those who worked so hard to organize a great event, to the LibrePlanet speakers and to the exhibitors. We expected a more inclusive and thoughtful process and we apologize that it did not occur.
Then they explain what Stallman's role will be
In its position on the board, RMS has the same responsibilities as the other members. You are an unpaid volunteer and subject to organization policies, including prohibitions on conflicts of interest and sexual harassment and those outlining whistleblowing processes and fiduciary duties. The responsibilities of the board of directors are described here
We believe that your views will be critical to the FSF as we advance the mission and face the challenges that lie ahead for software freedom.
Institutional changes
Responding to the request for changes in their way of managing institutionally, they affirm that:
In recent weeks, the board has committed to making a number of changes related to the governance of the organization, including plans to adopt a transparent and formal process to identify appropriate candidates to become new board members, future changes to the organization's bylaws, and the addition of a staff representative to the board of directors.
Chosen by unionized FSF staff, systems administrator Ian Kelling was elected on March 28 to a newly created position on the board of directors as a voting member.
They also make some promises:
The FSF board of directors will continue with other ideas and actions aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
There is still a lot of work to do. We recognize the need to attract a new generation of software freedom activists and to grow the movement. We will inform the community of our discussions and activities as we proceed.
As we work on these issues, Let's not forget the purpose of our movement, nor the great work of our staff and all the good people in the free software community who are dedicated to the freedom of users.