Closure of the Dark Aspect

Ladies, Gentlemen, those who identify as neither, and those ruffians that do not identify as having the decorum of a Gentle-Person. The Inner-Council has decided it is time to conclude the mothballing of the Dark Aspect. The former head of the Aspect, Satelle, intended to close it in its entirety when she stepped down. However, it was felt by the Inner-Council that an opportunity for a new leadership to arise should be given. Yet, in the interim no suitable leader has arisen. There have also been concerns raised that the Dark Aspect has, historically, attracted those of political and ideological leanings which pose a danger to the intent of the Force Academy. The Force Academy is a place of learning with clear rules to protect its members. In recent years the Dark Aspect has served largely as a disruptive presence with leadership conflicts, and a shark-tank mentality which has driven away potential members of the Force Academy. It has also been a place which was used to entertain ideologies including, but not limited to, Social-Darwinism and Fascism. It has been seen as a space for discussing contrarian and controversial philosophies and ideas, several of which, would be unwelcome by the Terms of the Service of the current Force Academy. With the above said it is thus felt that it is best to close the Dark Aspect. The strength of the Force Academy is the disparity and variety of the philosophies represented. Present at the Force Academy are Jedi of different orders, the Shadows, and guests and independent thinkers. We do not require the Dark Aspect to keep this strength of the Force Academy. The Inner-Council understands that this announcement will be a cause of disappointment for several. We apologise for any disappointment caused; however, this decision has been made in the best interests of the Force Academy as a whole. The extant and historical Dark Aspect material will be preserved and left available to members and guests to view. Now to the matter of what this means for the future. The Shadow Aspect was not an original aspect of the Force Academy. It evolved from the work of several members, until a coherent foundation was formed, and the aspect came together. It is always possible for an new aspect to emerge. All the inner council would ask is that the foundation be coherent, that it has people working on it and living it, and that it operates according to the Terms of Service and exists in a conducive manner with the rest of the Academy. With regards to a leader, and why we felt no satisfying leader emerged to take the Dark Aspect forward, we feel a leader must lead by example. A leader has a responsibility to their aspect, yes, but they are also the ambassador to the rest of the Force Academy. They must show a sense of duty to the Force Academy by adhering to its rules. We also expect a leader to be able to act professionally in their conduct to others, and most especially, their potential fellow leaders. We also expect honesty in conduct and presentation of information and premises. We also expect leaders to be able to defend their philosophy in a balanced and coherent manner with appeals to logic and rationality. Though several individuals made an effort to seek leadership of the Dark Aspect none of them satisfied the criteria that the Inner Council would welcome them to the Inner Council, or would be confident in their stewardship of the Dark Aspect. We present this information so anyone seeking to lead a new, emerging aspect, will understand what would be desired of them.