Jeff Willens:
"I looked at the "Statement from the ARSC Board Opposing Racism and Police Brutality" document on the ARSC website again. How has this transformed ARSC into an "activist" organization?"
I respond:
Taking stances on social justice is activism. The statement names certain individuals that I am actively writing about as a journalist. It also takes a specific side, which I cannot do. The Board is speaking for ARSC as an organization, of which I am a member. Publicly expressing these views is not compatible with the ethics of who I am as a professional. Finally, what does any of this have to do with sound archiving?
Jeff Willens:
"How is this "political"? This reads more like a humanitarian view to me rather than a political view."
I respond:
It specifically addresses policy decisions by local governments, and names individuals affected by those decisions directly. Again, it takes a side in a political debate, and a side in several cases working their ways through the criminal justice system. Cases which have not be tried in a court of law. It is by definition political. I cover these stories on a daily basis. I cannot be associated with a group that actively takes a side on them. Is that clear?
Jeff Willens:
"How does supporting the inclusion efforts the Board [...]"
I respond:
I have said nothing publicly about my feeling on any inclusion efforts, whatsoever.
Jeff Willens:
"[...] is proposing lead you to become a less impartial journalist (if such a thing exists)?"
I respond:
I'm not sure what you mean, here. Are you questioning the partiality of journalists, or some journalists, or me?
Jeff Willens:
"AFAIK, ARSC does not donate to or endorse presidential candidates or parties. Nor do we donate to protest movements. So what's really the issue?"
I respond:
The ARSC Board's statement quotes language used by certain protest movements. That's an outright endorsement of a political cause. That's the issue.
Again, I have not told you how I personally feel about any of these issues, and I won't on this forum. None of this has anything to with records or or sound archiving.
Sammy Jones
|