Only 10 days after his appointment, Brendan Eich (Photo ©Darcy Padilla) has resigned as CEO of the Mozilla Foundation. His decision came as a result of the open accusations of homophobia against him, with the resignation of three of the six members of the board of directors and various threats and calls for boycotts against Mozilla products, starting with the Firefox browser.

The cause of the various attacks against Brendan Eich comes from the fact that in 2008 he made ​​a donation of $1,000 to support a ballot proposition called Proposition 8 which called for the repeal of the law on gay marriage. Any opinions, even though very questionable, are personal but in this case Eich committed an act which was intended to limit the freedom of gay people.

At the time, in the field of technology that action by Brendan Eich already caused controversy, because the Mozilla Corporation, a subsidiary of the Mozilla Foundation, was officially listed as his employer. The Foundation makes a point of pride the fact that it follows the ideals of freedom considering diversity as a source of enrichment, being somehow involved, although in a totally indirect way, in an anti-gay campaign was dislliked by many people.

When Brendan Eich was appointed the Mozilla Foundation CEO, inevitably the matter resurfaced, with all its consequences. A few days ago, Eich told the New York Times he’s able to separate his personal ideas with his work and the Foundation has reiterated that it believes in equality and freedom of speech but it wasn’t enough.

In the end, the controversy has been too much and Brendan Eich has decided to resign. Mitchell Baker, the executive chairwoman of the Mozilla Foundation, stated that this decision was taken for the Foundation and its community, reiterated its values ​​and essentially apologized for not listening enough to the community that makes its great value.

Now the Mozilla Foundation has to find a new CEO. According to Mitchell Baker this story will bring a renewed humility and understanding that ultimately will strengthen the Foundation. Surely in the choice any acts possibly contrary to the principles of the Foundation will be carefully assessed.

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