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Mozilla Insists CEO Eich Wasn’t Forced Out

There have been a lot of stories about Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich’s resignation, suggesting that he was fired or forced out by the board. Mozilla has put out an FAQ about the situation, insisting ...
Mozilla Insists CEO Eich Wasn’t Forced Out
Written by Chris Crum
  • There have been a lot of stories about Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich’s resignation, suggesting that he was fired or forced out by the board. Mozilla has put out an FAQ about the situation, insisting that he was not forced out.

    He stepped down following the controversy surrounding his support of California anti-gay marriage law Prop 8, which recently came to light. Mozilla took an opposing stance, putting out a post on the 29th called “Mozilla Supports LGBT Equality“. In that, it said:

    Over the past few days we have been asked a number of questions about Brendan Eich’s appointment as CEO. This post is to clarify Mozilla’s official support of equality and inclusion for LGBT people.

    Mozilla’s mission is to make the Web more open so that humanity is stronger, more inclusive and more just. This is why BOTH Mozilla Corporation and Mozilla Foundation support equality for all, including marriage equality for LGBT couples. No matter who you are or who you love, everyone deserves the same rights and to be treated equally.

    In its next post, which announced Eich’s resignation, it said:

    Brendan Eich has chosen to step down from his role as CEO. He’s made this decision for Mozilla and our community.

    In the FAQ, which was posted on Saturday, Mozilla says that Eich was not fired, was not asked to resign by the board, and was not forced out by employee pressure. It shares a quote from Eich:

    I have decided to resign as CEO effective April 3rd, and leave Mozilla. Our mission is bigger than any one of us, and under the present circumstances, I cannot be an effective leader. I will be taking time before I decide what to do next.”

    Mozilla says it is not becoming a social activist organization, and does “not take stands on issues outside the scope of the Mozilla Manifesto.” It does note, however, that both Mozilla Corporation and Mozilla Foundation have provided benefits and support for same-sex couples for years.

    Eich blogged about his resignation here.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

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