While many major US corporations are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following consumer backlash, Microsoft is moving in the opposite direction by reinforcing its race-based hiring policies.
According to Consumers’ Research, a non-profit watchdog that aims to “educate and protect consumers,” Microsoft is continuing to push a radical left-wing agenda. Will Hild, the organization’s executive director, told The Daily Wire, “From promoting divisive DEI policies and harmful gender ideology targeting children, to advancing a politically charged climate crusade, Microsoft has made one thing clear: it prioritizes activism over innovation.”
In December, following President Trump’s re-election, Microsoft’s chief diversity officer issued a statement asserting that the company’s “diversity and inclusion work is more important than ever.” At the same time, companies like Meta, Disney, and Walmart began retreating from DEI efforts after the election.
Two months earlier, Microsoft’s diversity officer wrote in a DEI report that “if ever there were a critical time for the business case for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, it is now.” That report included a “pay equity” section that compared average salaries of employees by race and gender, regardless of their specific job roles.
Microsoft has stated that it aims to increase the number of women and non-white employees, particularly in leadership positions. The report noted that “any pay gaps indicate opportunities to increase representation at more senior levels.”
In response, Consumers’ Research issued a “Woke Alert” for Microsoft, claiming the company “seems to be implying diversity metrics should be a main factor in salaries, rather than professional performance and merit.”
Microsoft’s 2023 DEI report also indicated that white employees are paid less on average than non-white employees in comparable roles.
“All racial and ethnic minority groups who are rewards eligible combined earn $1.007 total pay for every $1.000 earned by US rewards-eligible white employees with the same job title and level and considering tenure,” the report stated.
