IEEE Policies

15.1   Objectives

The IEEE recognizes the need for public statements on topics within the scope and purposes of IEEE.  Such statements and papers can provide timely information to the public, media, public agencies, and IEEE members.

Such statements and papers can be developed and used primarily by an individual IEEE organizational unit, under the title of "Organizational Unit Position Statement," or they may be developed with a broader IEEE-wide base in mind under the title of "IEEE Position Paper."

Individual IEEE members are encouraged to participate actively in the discussion of such issues and are, of course, free to express their personal views, clearly identified as such, in any appropriate public forum.  When presenting views publicly that purport to represent specific segments of the IEEE or the IEEE as a whole, the procedures outlined in this section should be followed to obtain approved positions upon which such views can be based.

These procedures establish a framework that will enhance and support the objectives of the IEEE by allowing expression of views that represent, on a case-by-case basis, as large a fraction of the membership as possible.  It is not intended to preclude expression of opposing or differing views by IEEE organizational units.  However, recognizing that IEEE objectives are best pursued when concerted, consensus positions can be articulated, organizational units are encouraged to seek common ground for expression of their views by submitting proposed organizational unit position statements for approval at the highest level within the IEEE appropriate to the issues involved and their position within the IEEE.

In the special case of formal testimony presented to government bodies, covered in Section 15.8, it is the policy of IEEE to speak with a single voice, since conflicting or opposing views delivered on behalf of different IEEE organizational units can be harmful to the image of the IEEE and confusing to the recipient of such statements.  Therefore, in the case of testimony, these procedures are intended to establish central coordinating points for clearance of the statements and a method for reacting quickly in order to respond to government needs on a timely basis.  Where resolution of possible conflicting views cannot be obtained, it should normally be the practice for an IEEE organizational unit to decline to deliver testimony rather than have divergent or contradictory views presented.

Where it is apparent that a significant number of members hold a minority, but deeply felt, view on an issue, this fact should be recognized and taken into account in developing positions or testimony.  The determination of "significant number" and "deeply felt" in such cases is not quantified in this policy statement.