Microsoft has dissolved its internal team dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), citing “changing business needs,” according to a Business Insider report. The layoffs, effective July 1, have ignited controversy within the company.
Despite Microsoft’s previous pledges to enhance diversity, including a 2020 commitment to double the number of Black and African-American leaders by 2025, the company has faced criticism for this move. The current status of this initiative remains to be determined.
A former leader of the disbanded DEI team sharply criticized the decision in an email to thousands of employees, suggesting that DEI efforts are no longer deemed essential. “True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere is no longer business-critical or as smart as it was in 2020,” the leader wrote, as reported by Business Insider.
Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones emphasized that the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion remains steadfast. “Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering. We are holding firm on our expectations, prioritizing accountability, and continuing to focus on this work,” Jones said in a statement.
This reduction in DEI staff mirrors a broader trend in the tech industry, with companies like Zoom, Google, and Meta also scaling back their diversity initiatives in recent months.
The layoffs are part of Microsoft’s annual workforce adjustments, typically occurring at the start of its fiscal year. Recently, the company has conducted more frequent job cuts, including a significant reduction of 10,000 employees announced earlier in 2023.
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