Linux Foundation Issues Statement Concerning Community Directors
Jim Zemlin, the Executive Director of The Linux Foundation, has now issued a brief statement concerning this controversy.
Zemlin noted, "First, The Linux Foundation Board structure has not changed. The same individuals remain as directors, and the same ratio of corporate to community directors continues as well. What we did do was to act on a long-discussed perception that the value we provide to individual supporters could be improved, for the first time in a decade. And that the process for recruiting community directors should be changed to be in line with other leading organizations in our community and industry. As such, the Board voted to keep Larry Augustin and Bdale Garbee as individual At-Large Directors in recognition of their longstanding service to the community and individual commitment to helping advance The Linux Foundation. And the kernel developers continue to appoint a director as well. We welcome and value the continuing participation of Grant Likely in that capacity. Over time, the LF Board may also choose to add additional individuals from the growing communities we now serve."
He also expressed sadness over those engaging in flame wars over the matter and the attacks made against Karen Sandler. Jim concluded with, "I encourage those of you from our community who participate in social media conversations to fight back against the personal, and often sexist, attacks that have been launched by a very small number of community members. Such behavior does nothing to advance legitimate discussion of important matters, and cast an unfair and unfavorable light on the vast majority of community members who treat each other with respect. The LF has never condoned, and will never condone, this type of behavior."
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