Soon after the Free Software Foundation (FSF) took the decision to allow back founder Richard M. Stallman among its board, many of the FSF board members and leaders decided to resign in protest.
Indeed, lots of members and leaders have decried Stallman’s return as his inappropriate and dangerous behavior has been signaled multiple times, and deemed to foster an abusive environment. Former board members have stated that people such as Stallman shouldn’t be involved in running organizations.
Yet, their voices were not heard as Stallman rejoined the FSF board of directors. As a result, Red Hat announced that it would suspend its funding of the FSF and any FSF-hosted events. Besides, numerous Red Hat contributors also stated they didn’t wish to participate in FSF-led or backed events.
After Red Hat’s statement, many others followed. Indeed, SUSE CEO declared that they stand against the FSF’s decision. Similarly, The Document Foundation also suspended the FSF’s membership in its advisory board and ceased any other activity with this organization and its representatives.
John Sullivan, the executive director of FSF, has resigned, and its president, Geoffrey Knauth, has declared that he would resign as an FSF officer, director, and voting member when a new leader would be appointed.
