The letter enclosed below was prepared and unanimously adopted at the March 2 meeting of the American Council of the Blind Board of Directors.
To the Membership of the American Council of the Blind:
As follow-up to decisions made during the January 30, 2024 ACB Board of Directors meeting, the Board made a decision to take “no position” on a proposed Human Rights Rally being sponsored by ACB’s special-interest affiliate, Blind Pride International. This decision has, regrettably, caused much division of opinion and disappointment within ACB among our members. We understand the passion of all members who have spoken out on all aspects of this decision. The decision was made by the Board following ACB’s democratic processes, which we all value and cherish. Regardless of how each of us individually may feel about the decision, we, the Board, take full responsibility for the decision, just as we must do for all the decisions we make. The Board is elected by you, the members of the American Council of the Blind, who have elected us to these positions. We all take our responsibilities very seriously every day.
We are not asking you to agree with the decision that was made. Each and every one of us is entitled to our own opinions. What we are asking of everyone is for you to state your opinion respectfully and without intemperate personal criticism of anyone. Unfortunately, the Board has heard from staff that they have been subject to criticism, rudeness, and occasionally open hostility, especially when staff neutrality is misperceived as support for one side over another. We ask you to avoid such behavior when communicating with our hard-working staff. They are responsible to implement the decisions made by the Board and membership of ACB with absolute neutrality.
We apologize for any misunderstandings that may have led to the hurt that has been experienced by many. Moving forward, we look forward to exploring ways of collaborating with all of our affiliates on advocacy efforts within the missions of the affiliates and ACB. Our wish is that we can all move forward in the spirit of healing and coming together to continue working for the betterment of people who are blind from all walks of life as stated in ACB’s mission.
Let us all re-commit to following the core values of ACB: Honesty and Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, Flexibility and Initiative.
Chris Bell
Donna Brown
Ray Campbell
Kim Charlson
Denise Colley
Deb Cook Lewis
Michael Garrett
Gabriel Lopez-Kafati
Cecily Laney Nipper
Terry Pacheco
Doug Powell
Rachel Schroeder
Kenneth Semien Sr.
Koni Sims
Jeff Thom
David Trott