I think that they probably couched their language very vaguely during the meeting but that the least temperate of them, MD, had an idea in the moment, during that meeting, which, in my imagination goes something like this:
The paradigm being that if they don't get shot of SM or in any way defend her or offer a reasonable course of action MC will come for them too.
Board Member: So what did the employment lawyers say?
MD: That we have scoobie doo at the moment cos our contracts are all out of date.
BM: Right, we will need to get on to that ASAP
Other BM: I don't think that in itself is going to cut the mustard. What did the lawyers say we need for an i/x MD?
MD: If she'd refused to do something that is part of her job and/ or complaints and lots of em.
BM: And no complaints?
MD: Not yet.
BM: She hasn't refused to do anything?
MD: Not yet. She's being quite squirrelly and won't admit outright that she is transphobic. It's annoying AF.
BM: Any events coming up? Wink wink.
MD: Well, now you mention it I've been thinking FOR AGES about using the Bigly Screen at Pride and if I do the comms right it could really put the cat amongst the pigeons.
BM: I have no idea what you mean by that. Don't tell me what you mean by that but an event at Pride does seem like something we'd do. Isn't it a bit late.
MD: Nah, leave it with me.\
etc etc
Just a reminder that is totally my imagination.