“The Stanford letter has provided a catalyst for us to open up discussion on a lot of issues, and what we’ve come out of with is a very hardy reaffirmation of the value of ARL,” she said.
Two task forces—one in charge of governance and ARL election reform, the other for its organization—will be convened shortly, said Thomas.
“Our members have affirmed the importance of ARL and I think it’s my job as president to lead them into an organization that is constructive and progressive,” she said. “That’s totally independent from one person’s criticisms. I think in any organization you’re going to have a certain amount of healthy disagreement.”
The next forum for members will be held this May in Tucson, Arizona.
—Staff writer Leon Neyfakh can be reached at neyfakh@fas.harvard.edu.