> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # FSF Affirms that RMS is not Going Anywhere, Come What May - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/fsf-rms-statement/ - Published: 2021-04-13T12:23:56.000Z - Updated: 2021-04-13T12:23:57.000Z - Author: Abhishek Prakash - Tags: Open Source, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15 Sponsors withdrawn, management team resigned but the Free Software Foundation (FSF) is determined to keep its founder Richard Stallman on board. Soon after [Richard Stallman issued an apology](https://news.itsfoss.com/stallman-apologizes/?ref=itsfoss.com), FSF released a [statement](https://www.fsf.org/news/statement-of-fsf-board-on-election-of-richard-stallman?ref=itsfoss.com) on the election of Richard Stallman. It’s clear that both the apology and the statement had been prepared well in advance and published almost at the same time. > The voting members of the Free Software Foundation, which include the board of directors, voted to appoint Richard Stallman to a board seat after several months of thorough discussion and thoughtful deliberation. There is an ‘explanation’ on why FSF decided to keep Richard Stallman on board and not everyone is going to like that reasoning. > We decided to bring RMS back because we missed his wisdom. His historical, legal and technical acumen on free software is unrivaled. He has a deep sensitivity to the ways that technologies can contribute to both the enhancement and the diminution of basic human rights. His global network of connections is invaluable. He remains the most articulate philosopher and an unquestionably dedicated advocate of freedom in computing. The surprise return announcement of Stallman in a LibrePlanet conference talk was blamed on a “planned flow of information that was not executed in a timely manner”. FSF keeps emphasizing Stallman’s vision and thinking throughout the statement. > While his personal style remains troubling for some, a majority of the board feel his behavior has moderated and believe that his thinking strengthens the work of the FSF in pursuit of its mission … We believe his views will be critical to the FSF as we advance the mission and confront the challenges that software freedom faces. FSF promises to improve transparency and accountability. ## FSF statement leaves people divided, again! Clearly, the statement is not going to be welcomed by people who were not happy with Stallman’s return. > I'm really grateful that the FSF board took the time to clarify this. > > This makes it crystal clear that they's rather have RMS around than become an inclusive and welcoming environment to more than half the people who write software. > > Toxic to the core. [https://t.co/kaxwirejr3](https://t.co/kaxwirejr3?ref=itsfoss.com) > > — Brian Fitzpatrick (@therealfitz) [April 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/therealfitz/status/1381656583554404353?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=itsfoss.com) Some people still want to see him go. > “He has sincere regrets” “he has moderated his ways” .. > One paragraph later “ The announcement by RMS at LibrePlanet was a complete surprise to staff, all those who worked so hard to organize a great event” > > It’s past time for him to step aside and you know it. > > — kailash sethuraman (@hsaliak) [April 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/hsaliak/status/1381653970012241920?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=itsfoss.com) Current President of Open Source Initiative is clearly not happy: > OK. Done letting abusers and failed organizations live rent free in my head. Today's statement out of the self-immolating FSF was predictably disappointing. > > Stick a fork in it, folks. It's time to build something new. > > — Josh Simmons (@joshsimmons) [April 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/joshsimmons/status/1381642633508921344?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=itsfoss.com) Suggestion for boycotting GPL licenses were also made: > The big question is, how complicated will it be to convince all major projects to relicense away from the GPL to a new copyleft license created by someone other than the FSF. It will take a while, but this statement proves it's mandatory to sustain the opensource movement. > > — Carlos Solís (@csolisr) [April 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/csolisr/status/1381644252476813316?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=itsfoss.com) Let FSF go into oblivion: > So you didn't find ANYONE who could replace him? Even if true, you'd be much better off finding someone less, but adequately skilled & let them grow into it. > > But I guess RMS scared all the talent away. > > Let FFS dwindle into oblivion. No talent + bad jugdement = no future. > > — Jan Kristian Jensen (@LtGlahn) [April 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/LtGlahn/status/1381688563746619396?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=itsfoss.com) This one was witty: > I will now be referring to this org as the Foundation for Free Software (FFS) as the acronym better reflects my thoughts on their behaviour > > More seriously I will no longer be contributing to GPL projects with “or later” clauses as FFS cannot be trusted with any responsibility [https://t.co/ii0TWLBrjD](https://t.co/ii0TWLBrjD?ref=itsfoss.com) [pic.twitter.com/ITvpMrvHgz](https://t.co/ITvpMrvHgz?ref=itsfoss.com) > > — Richard Brown (@sysrich) [April 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/sysrich/status/1381733309013712896?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=itsfoss.com) As with anything, people are in support of FSF decision as well. > Thank you for taking a stance against these mobs. For the few that are part of the mob but still would like to hear a more objective version, please read the following article.[https://t.co/nUvoYunpqh](https://t.co/nUvoYunpqh?ref=itsfoss.com) > > — Willem de Boer (@willemdeboer82) [April 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/willemdeboer82/status/1381653774033371141?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=itsfoss.com) Not everyone likes the “double standards regarding free speech” in the USA. > And here came the crowd with their stones, my support for the FSF, let's concentrate on free software. Certainly in USA there seems to be a double standard regarding free speech, specially related to manipulate words of others to create smearing campaigns. Peace ☮️🕊️and Love 💕 > > — Juan Méndez (@vejeta) [April 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/vejeta/status/1381679874335735810?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=itsfoss.com) Are you with FSF on this decision or against it? Feel free to voice your opinion.