MIT Releases Swartz Report: Instead of Leading, School Was 'Hands-Off'

curtwoodward writes "MIT's long-awaited internal investigation into its handling of the Aaron Swartz prosecution has been released (PDF), and it's massive — about 180 pages, not counting the reams of supporting documents. And although the report's authors say they were told not to draw any conclusions about MIT's actions — really — they still gently criticized the university. Swartz, a well-known activist, killed himself earlier this year while being prosecuted for federal computer crimes after he improperly downloaded millions of academic research articles. MIT remained notably 'hands-off' throughout the case, the internal report notes, despite requests that it defend Swartz or oppose the prosecution, and ample opportunities to show leadership. The report quotes an MIT official: 'MIT didn't do anything wrong; but we didn't do ourselves proud.'" Swartz's partner, Taren Stinebrickner-Kauffman, calls the report a whitewash.

Comments

Re:improperly?

[Archangel Michael]

I know this is going to get "flamed" into oblivion, but before you "-1 troll" me, please hear what it is that I am actually saying.

All of what you said may be and probably true, and I really don't care. But the guy couldn't stand the heat of the kitchen he was cooking in. Gutless coward if you ask me. Someone who is courageous doesn't kill themselves when presented with a difficult circumstances, they face it with dignity.

Nelson Mandela is a great example of someone who faced hardship with dignity, was a martyr and cause celeb, and never offed himself.

I have little sympathy for Aaron Schwartz. I do, however, feel a great deal of sympathy for the people he left behind having to pick up the pieces of the lives he has shattered. He, however, didn't care enough about them to not kill himself.