Microsoft faces backlash after firing DEI team in US, internal email blasts company's ‘changing business needs’

Microsoft has reportedly fired its diversity, equity and inclusion team, sparking internal outrage. The program’s leader has now blasted the company’s “changing business needs.” Microsoft accused of firing its DEI team This move by Microsoft was exposed in an email that Business Insider obtained. The email revealed that the DEI internal team claimed diversity was “no longer business critical.” "True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020," the team’s leader wrote in an email to thousands of employees. However, the email leak suggested that the ex-DEI team leader believes Microsoft had given up on the DEI initiatives that were pushed during the Black Lives Matter protests. Microsoft says its ‘D&I commitments remain unchanged’ At the time, CEO Satya Nadella said these moves would not be a “one-time event.” However, the email insisted that as time went by, “true systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020.” Microsoft, however, has said in a statement that its “D&I commitments remain unchanged.” After the email was exposed, Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones said that their commitments have not changed and that its work on the issue will “hold firm.” “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,” Jones said.