The Blubber

Microsoft’s recent decision to lay off its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team due to “changing business needs” has sparked controversy within the company, Business Insider reports.

Internal Email Criticizes Microsoft's Commitment

A prominent DEI team leader, whose identity has been confirmed by Business Insider, sent an email to thousands of Microsoft employees. The email criticized the company for considering DEI work “no longer business critical or smart” as it was perceived in 2020. This message resonated strongly across the organization, reflecting a sense of betrayal among employees dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace.

The email also noted that the layoffs, effective from July 1, affected an unspecified number of employees. This decision comes amid a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies like Zoom, Google, and Meta have also scaled back their DEI efforts.

A Retreat From DEI Efforts?

In 2020, Microsoft pledged to double the number of Black and African American leaders within the company by 2025. However, the progress toward this goal remains unclear, casting doubt on the commitment.

Despite assurances from Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones that the company’s DEI commitments remain unchanged and that the focus on diversity and inclusion is “unwavering,” the recent layoffs suggest otherwise. Jones reiterated that Microsoft continues to prioritize accountability and focus on DEI work. However, the layoffs of DEI-focused teams indicate a retreat from the aggressive diversity efforts promised in the past few years.