Google sacks software engineer over memo on women

James Damore, the software engineer who caused outrage after writing an internal memo that claimed women were ‘biologically’ less likely to succeed at the company has been sacked.

In a statement, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said: ‘portions of the memo violate our code of conduct and cross the line by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace.’

The internal memo, written by a male software engineer, argues the under-representation of women in the technology sector is not simply due to bias and discrimination.

Read also: Memo of Google software engineer on women sparks backlash at the firm

Instead, he writes: “We need to stop assuming that gender gaps imply sexism.”

The employee at Google’s headquarters in California goes on to say that women are generally more interested in “people rather than things”.

The 10-page memo, published by tech website Gizmodo, adds: “We always ask why we don’t see women in top leadership positions, but we never ask why we see so many men in these jobs. These positions often require long, stressful hours that may not be worth it if you want a balanced and fulfilling life.

The memo prompted backlash from Google’s new head of diversity, Danielle Brown, who denounced it in her own note to staff, and it has ultimately led to the sacking of Damore.

 

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