Re: [93attendees] APOLOGY - (was I was wondering...)

[Margaret Cullen <[e-mail]>]

Ondrej,

Thank you very much for taking responsibility for this choice, and for your apology.  I think that at least half of the fault for this issue lies with the IETF -- we did not do a good job of communicating with the participating companies about the nature of the Bits & Bites event. Hopefully this can be a learning experience for all of us, and we will succeed in avoiding this sort of thing in the future.

I don't believe that anyone who is concerned about the appropriateness of this activity at the IETF has anything against the women, themselves.  We know they were simply doing a job that is considered appropriate in some settings.  We find it inappropriate for this sort of thing to happen at the IETF, which is an engineering conference not a trade show.  It is important that we create a professional environment at the IETF that is comfortable for all of our attendees.

Your company did a wonderful job of hosting our meeting, especially the social event.  The food and drink at the social event were tasty and plentiful, and the entertainment was very well-targetted, fun and appropriate.  Despite this issue at Bits & Bites, I left Prague with a very favorable view of your company and your beautiful city.  I also greatly appreciate your support of the IETF.

Margaret




On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:35 AM, Ondrej Filip <[e-mail]> wrote:

> Hello!
> First of all let me to apologize everybody who felt offended. I am
> really sorry for that we did something unfortunate and as a CEO of the
> company I take the full responsibility.
> 
> Please, let me explain the background. Those ladies have been working
> with CZ.NIC for a longer time although not as full time employees.
> But I am telling this to explain that they we have not employed them
> just for the purpose of this event. Both have university degrees
> although not a technical background in IETF related stuff. But they
> know our company very well.
> 
> Again, I fully understand the point and I apologize for our lack of
> sensitivity. I am very sorry.
> 
> 		Ondrej Filip
> 
> 
> 
> On 24.7.2015 10:31, Jose Saldana wrote:
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> In my opinion, the bits&bytes booth with the young ladies in short skirts, etc. was a bit... let's say ... disrespectful.
>> 
>> I mean, using women just for "decorative" purposes is something I don't like. It is common in trade fairs, sports events, etc. But the IETF should avoid it (IMHO).
>> 
>> Best regards,
>> 
>> Jose
>> 
>> Sent from my smartphone
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>> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> (  CZ.NIC z.s.p.o.                              )
> -------------------------------------------------
> Ondrej Filip  -  CEO
> 
> Office : Milesovska 5, Praha 3,  Czech Republic
> Email  : [e-mail]  http://www.nic.cz
> Private: [e-mail]
> -------------------------------------------------
> 
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