Wednesday, March 31, 2010

An Open Letter to ASAN Regarding Its Honesty and Integrity

To the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN):

I would like to request clarification on the matter of the Cat in a Dog's World blog and its affiliation to an ASAN Chapter Director. In particular, I would like to know the following:

  1. Is ASAN aware that ASAN leaders are blogging pseudonymously in support of ASAN and its policies?
  2. Does ASAN condone or encourage this practice?
  3. If ASAN does not condone or encourage this practice, would ASAN be willing to speak out publicly against this practice and remind its leaders that they are expected to conduct themselves with honesty, openness and integrity at all times?

This is not a small matter for ASAN. Undisclosed pseudonymous blogging in support of ASAN and its policies reflects poorly on both the individual and the organization. This practice, to put it quite simply, is dishonest. I am willing to accept that the original intentions were simply a question of poor judgment, but the indications are that the individual involved wishes to continue this practice even after being made aware of its unethical nature. Furthermore, ASAN's silence on the matter makes it unclear if the organization itself understands the consequences of these actions.

I look forward to ASAN's reply regarding these questions and concerns.


Respectfully,

Alan Griswold