UPDATE: According to Kara Swisher at Recode, Google has fired James Damore, the author of the memo that is the topic of this article.
On Friday, August 4, 2017, several Google employees took to Twitter to discuss a ten-page document that was circulating internally at an alarming rate. The manifesto focused on the topic of “ideological diversity” replacing Google’s current diversity policies. The author states, “Women on average show a higher interest in people and men in things.” Needless to say, the manifesto (screed) was not well received but had a fair number of supporters inside Google that bolstered the author’s position. Google’s response was tepid at best, “Part of building an open, inclusive environment means fostering a culture in which those with alternative views, including different political views, feel safe sharing their opinions. But that discourse needs to work alongside the principles of equal employment found in our Code of Conduct, policies, and anti-discrimination laws.” Not exactly what you want to see when this manifesto has you questioning why you’re at a company not denouncing the opinions expressed in this screed. I’m all for free speech (I pay for my defense of it every day). But, the First Amendment is a construct to prevent government silencing of dissent. The First Amendment does not apply within the confines of a company. Free ideas are great so long as they do not cause harm to those around you.
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