I couldn't agree more,, Amrita, and the "blog" is one of the best bits of fluffy spin sugar I have stomached for a very long time... Colour me *very Unimpressed* indeed. <https://about.me/cheryl.LangdonOrr?promo=email_sig&utm_source=product&utm_me...> Cheryl Langdon-Orr about.me/cheryl.LangdonOrr <https://about.me/cheryl.LangdonOrr?promo=email_sig&utm_source=product&utm_me...> On Tue, 20 May 2025 at 13:33, Amrita Choudhury via At-Large < at-large@icann.org> wrote:
It is very concerning for many of us from around the world to see the words '*diversity and inclusion*' being removed from ICANN's website despite the assurance that it will be ensured even if the words are removed.
Let us not forget that these words had been incorporated by organisation's and many governments after many years of hard fought battles to create an inclusive society where people coming from different cultures, religions, backgrounds and gender could be treated as equals. Both addition or removal of the words have far reaching consequences on what is the message we want to give to the world.
ICANN has always portrayed that it is a *neutral, global technical body operating out of the US.* However, removing the text to keep with present circumstances brings in questions on the"neutral nature" of the organization.
From APRALO's perspective where our tagline is "Celebrating Diversity" this is quite a disturbing development.
As a community member, I would urge ICANN to bring the previous text back and take a principled position before the global community.
Regards
Amrita
On Tue, 20 May 2025 at 07:39, Gunela Astbrink via At-Large < at-large@icann.org> wrote:
If ICANN is claiming not to change any policies on diversity and inclusion, why is it necessary to change the wording? 'External dynamics'??? That in itself should be clarifed.
I would have naively thought it important to continue to clearly indicate that diversity and inclusion is an integral part of the multistakeholder process at ICANN. This includes the approximately 1.3 billion people with disability globally. Shall we remove the disability/accessibility question in the ICANN meeting registration form, for example?
What about the various groups within ICANN that have been/are working on programs that support diversity and inclusion? Will those initiatives be shelved quietly?
In ALAC's What we do, it still states that the community can 'Explore the working groups in Get Involved, and you are also welcome to contribute in terms of advancing accessibility and inclusion at ICANN'.
Will ALAC be discussing and making a statement?
Gunela
Karl Auerbach via At-Large wrote on 20/5/2025 10:01 am:
On 5/19/25 5:21 AM, Lutz Donnerhacke via At-Large wrote:
https://domainincite.com/31049-icann-kills-off-diversity-and-inclusion It's a pity.
More than a pity. ICANN's footprint is worldwide. Yet here is ICANN dancing to a foul tune of hate, bias, and discrimination being played by exactly one of the more than 150 national governments.
That might make those other countries wonder "what tune can our country play to make ICANN dance to our policy whims?"
And it might add to the skepticism of people in those other countries who wonder whether ICANN is really an aspect of US hegemony.
The process of fracturing the Internet into regional, cultural, religious, or corporate internets is slow - but this move by ICANN is, in my eyes, a big wedge and sledge that significantly weakens the bonds that hold ICANN and the Internet together.
One might ask "Who in ICANN decided on this change?" And "why?".
--karl--
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