[prepend]

My organization had an “open letter” published that claimed hundreds of signatories but wouldn’t disclose the signatures due to fear of reprisal.

I’m not sure how effective this can be as the whole point of names signed is that they are real. A claim of signatures is not very useful.

Cynically, every time I see a “secret list of signers” I just figure the number is zero or a bazillion as it doesn’t matter.

It’s like Nixon’s “silent majority” of supporters.

[philwelch]

> It’s like Nixon’s “silent majority” of supporters.

The term "silent majority" referred to people in the 1968 and 1972 elections who held moderate-to-conservative views that weren't represented in the mass protests and domestic terrorism of the time. Considering that Nixon won both presidential elections--1972 in an utter landslide--it turned out that the "silent majority" actually existed--quite unlike these anonymous signatories.

[kelnos]

I get what you are saying, but then what is the solution for people who have legitimate complaints, but fear reprisal if they don't remain anonymous?

Not everyone has the luxury of being able to go up against their employer without repercussions that are worse than the original complaint. But that doesn't mean people should just have to suck it up and put up with unjust (and perhaps illegal) behavior.

[angelzen]

"This org is kind of shitty. Sadly, I need to move on.". That's what the vast majority of people do. Unless there are clearly illegal acts, say withholding pay or physical endangerment, not sure why people would want to pick a public fight with their employer. It's a lose-lose proposition.

[prepend]

I think the solution is to not make unverifiable claims. Just write a letter and have it stand on its merits.

If I can’t disclose the identity of 21 people and have no way of verifying that 21 people did someone, I can just not mention that part.

[bumby]

"Fear of reprisal" is one of the primary measures of a toxic culture. But I get what you're saying about it almost being an unfalsifiable claim.