Former Microsoft DEI Lead Expresses Frustration Over Team Closure
The former head of one of Microsoft’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) teams recently sent an email to staff expressing their frustration at the company’s decision to shut down the team. The news was initially reported by Business Insider and later confirmed by IGN.
In the email, the former lead mentioned that their “role and team” were eliminated due to “changing business needs”. They also expressed concerns about the future of DEI programs, particularly in light of conservative policy initiatives like Project 2025.
The anonymous DEI lead wrote, “Unofficially in my opinion, not specific to Microsoft alone, but [conservative policy plan] Project 2025 looms and true systems change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020.”
They also mentioned the reevaluation of company’s inclusion commitments following the murder of George Floyd, stating, “And the way I see it, the timing was impeccable so businesses everywhere could reevaluate the path forward should their U.S. federal contracts be at risk if the work continues on its face.”
In response, Microsoft emphasized that its DEI commitments remain unchanged. The company stated, “Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering and we are holding firm on our expectations, prioritizing accountability, and continuing to focus on this work.”