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Ministry of Innovation / Business of Technology

New Mozilla CEO issues statement, expresses “sorrow for causing pain”

Also announces Project Ascend to expand access to open source software.

Jon Brodkin

Following widespread criticism over his donations to pass California's Proposition 8 in 2008, new Mozilla Foundation CEO Brendan Eich issued a statement on his personal blog today which laid out a plan of action for future inclusiveness and diversity at Mozilla.

"I know there are concerns about my commitment to fostering equality and welcome for LGBT individuals at Mozilla," Eich wrote. While his post didn't directly mention his $1,000 financial donation to Prop 8, nor his $2,100 in contributions to Prop 8 supporter and CA Congressman Thomas McClintock between 2008 and 2010, Eich did deliver a list of specific and varied plans to "work with LGBT communities and allies," both in reiterating the company's diverse healthcare options and in insisting that he participate in "community-building exercises" down the road. In addition, Eich took the opportunity to announce Project Ascend, a Mozilla initiative meant to expand access to open-source projects to "those who lack privilege."

"I don’t ask for trust free of context, or without a solid structure to support accountability," Eich wrote. "No leader or person who has a privileged position should."

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