Microsoft has reportedly shuttered one in all its core variety, fairness, and inclusion (DEI) groups, shedding its staff within the course of. A former crew chief despatched an inner electronic mail to a number of Microsoft staff revealing the layoffs, criticizing the Redmond large’s resolution, and accusing the corporate’s administration of “harassment and toxicity.” One thing clearly went mistaken right here.
Enterprise Insider was the primary to report the e-mail, which states that “efficient July 1, 2024, the previous chief’s position and crew have been eradicated attributable to ‘altering enterprise wants.’” Microsoft follows within the footsteps of different tech firms like Meta and Google, which have additionally minimize DEI packages created within the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Notably, Microsoft has pledged to double the variety of Black and African-American leaders within the U.S. by 2025, together with different packages designed to “tackle racial injustice,” reminiscent of on-the-job coaching and approving extra Black-owned suppliers and monetary establishments.
The e-mail says DEI packages throughout all departments are dealing with these sorts of cuts or closure altogether.
The e-mail means that DEI packages throughout all departments are dealing with these sorts of cuts or being shut down totally. The previous worker says the opportunity of conservative insurance policies like Undertaking 2025 formed Microsoft’s decision-making. The e-mail explains, “Therefore, the intentional and strategic 3-5 12 months shelf lifetime of lots of our inclusion commitments following the homicide of George Floyd is being reassessed, and I imagine the timing was excellent for firms around the globe to reassess the trail ahead, or their U.S. federal contracts will probably be in danger if the work continues.”
The e-mail is stuffed with reward for the crew itself, saying it employed “sensible, moral, and world-class strategists inside the firm who helped make the world a greater place,” but it surely accuses govt administration of “investigated and confirmed discrimination, harassment, and toxicity” directed at them throughout their time on the firm.
In an announcement shared with Enterprise Wire, Microsoft spokesman Jeff Jones stated, “Our DEI commitments stay unchanged. We stay targeted on variety and inclusion and stand by our expectations, prioritize accountability, and proceed to deal with this work.”
Microsoft isn’t the one firm to make this transfer just lately. Many tech giants, together with Google and Meta, have begun making vital cuts to DEI packages launched in 2020.
