Layoffs | Microsoft cuts DEI team, leader emails staff claiming it is “no longer business critical”

 A diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team leader at Microsoft whose entire team was laid off has emailed thousands of employees describing DEI as “no longer business critical.”

According to a memo viewed by Business Insider, the team lead suggested that Microsoft sees DEI as less valuable than in recent years.

“True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020,” the email stated.

According to the memo, Microsoft eliminated the DEI team due to “changing business needs” effective July 1.