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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