Thanks to the LLC Board

[Ted Hardie <ted.ietf@xxxxxxxxx>]

I wanted to say thanks to the LLC Board for sticking with the plenary discussion at today's meeting.  I realize that running 50-something minutes over is never a fun experience, especially when feelings run high.

I also want to recognize that the community is not presenting you with an easy problem.  In addition to the usual balance of visa concerns, there is a chance that those in the US on visas, even permanent ones, will have trouble attending meetings outside it, due to concerns that they will not be allowed to return. Stephen made the very sensible suggestion that you consider running a survey on likely attendance; including a question on that would be a valuable addition if you do send a survey out.  Beyond those questions is your fiduciary duty, which means you must at least consider carefully the financial impact of a change at this rate; the community, having charged you with that duty, must expect you to fulfill it.

I hope as you review the situation in front of you that you keep in mind, though, that RFC 8718 was one of the most difficult process documents in IETF history, because so many of  the considerations touch on our lives outside of our participation in the IETF.  The resulting document focused very strongly on "why we meet" and essentially set aside many considerations that would serve other purposes.

It did not, however, set aside the need for inclusiveness, because the openness of the IETF is based on a core principle that anyone should be able to contribute.   This text speaks strongly to me now:

We would like to facilitate the on-site or remote participation of
      anyone who wants to be involved.  Widespread participation
      contributes to the diversity of perspectives represented in the
      working sessions.

      Every country has limits on who it will permit within its borders.
      However, the IETF seeks to:

      1.  Minimize situations in which onerous entry regulations
          inhibit, discourage, or prevent participants from attending
          meetings; failing that, meeting locations are to be
          distributed such that onerous entry regulations are not always
          experienced by the same attendees; and

      2.  Avoid meeting in countries with laws that effectively exclude
          people on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender,
          sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, or gender
          identity.

I hope as you consider the matter you ask yourselves whether those whose gender identity differs from that assigned at birth are effectively excluded, as well as seeking clarity on whether those of specific national origins and religions are likely to face untenable uncertainty.

Good luck with your deliberations and thanks again,

best regards,

Ted Hardie