An independent task force has begun its review of recent social media activity by Dr. Jonathan Mayer, Director and Vice-President.
The task force will carry out its mandate in a fair and impartial manner. This includes reviewing complaints received by the ODA related to the posts at issue and providing Dr. Mayer with an opportunity to provide the task force with a response.
The task force will provide its findings and recommendations in a report to the Board of Directors. In accordance with its governance responsibilities, the Board will determine appropriate actions based on the findings in the report. The task force has been directed to conduct its work as promptly as possible.
An independent task force helps ensure that the issue is reviewed objectively, that all perspectives are considered, and that any decisions taken by the Board are informed, fair, and consistent with the association’s governance. To ensure independence, the task force consists of outside experts with relevant expertise. The task force does not include ODA members, volunteers, or staff, or contractors who are otherwise engaged by the ODA.
We remain committed to a thorough, fair and impartial process and will provide further updates to our members.
The ODA is also addressing concerns raised by some members about unsolicited emails they have received related to this issue. We have completed our review of the security of ODA digital platforms and can confirm that they do not include personal information or the kind of contact details that appear to have been used by an external source to send these unsolicited emails. The persons who sent the messages used information they compiled or had access to apart from information stored on ODA systems. As our members continue to be concerned about external parties contacting them on an unsolicited basis, we will continue to look into this issue and will provide further updates to members should any new information arise.