Recluse reflections

Recluse reflections: Microsoft's restored pride
Notes on spaces seen through windows

"But now he knows these hills, that is to say he knows them better, and if ever again he sees them from afar it will be I think with other eyes, and not only that but the within, all that inner space one never sees, the brain and heart and other caverns where thought and feeling dance their sabbath, all this too quite differently disposed."
-- Samuel Beckett

author

Robin Evans
Seattle

blogroll

Friday, May 06, 2005

Microsoft's restored pride

Congrats to Microsoft for recognizing that the company made a mistake in failing to support the anti-discrimination measure in this year's Washington legislature.

CEO Steve Ballmer explained in an email to employees:

"Obviously, the Washington state legislative session has concluded for this year, but if legislation similar to HB 1515 is introduced in future sessions, we will support it,'' he said.

Ballmer said the company will also continue supporting efforts to pass similar national legislation.

It's better late than never for the Redmond company to recognize that its long-time and sometimes cutting-edge support for diversity should not have been ignored in this situation.

Ballmer's mail acknowledged that today's decision was influenced by input from employees concerned about Microsoft's commitment to diversity issues. He also said the company will improve the way it communicates its legislative positions in the future.

"After looking at the question from all sides, I've concluded that diversity in the workplace is such an important issue for our business that it should be included in our legislative agenda," Ballmer said.

posted by WebWrangler | 11:29 PM | Link | 0 comments

Comments: Post a Comment