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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-AU link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given the recent discussions – rancorous or otherwise – about the opening of events, it strikes me that there is no obvious diversity or social inclusion policy. It’s touched on in code of conduct but that’s more of a “behave yourself you fools” statement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are a few obvious groups who are missing in computing in Australia, in general, and perhaps open source communities in Australia. For example, in Australia there’s a close balance between the number of women and men but one could hardly argue there’s the same balance in the computing communities in Australia. To be honest, in all my time working in computing I don’t think I’ve <i>ever</i> seen an Indigenous person working in any part of the IT industry and I don’t think I’m that sheltered.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Should Linux Australia simply encourage itself and other organisations to have diversity and social inclusion programmes? Or take one step further and require them for sponsorship? Should that be on a case by case basis? Might it make sense to prefer sponsorship of programmes that have diversity / social inclusive programmes, all other factors being equal?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Does the current debate highlight the need to address issues of equality and other social issues in a more comprehensive manner?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I wonder.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>--<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>David Lloyd<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>http://www.validlyodd.net/<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>