Google Faces Backlash for Cutting Cultural Events from Calendar

Mountain View, California — Google is under fire from users following recent changes to its Calendar app that have removed highlights for cultural and historical events such as Pride Month and Black History Month. The updates went into effect in early 2024, sparking outrage and criticism among advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Many users noted that events celebrating various heritages and causes, including Indigenous Peoples Month and Holocaust Remembrance Day, are no longer featured by default. One user expressed discontent, characterizing the decision as a capitulation to extremism.

Google confirmed the modifications to the Calendar’s default settings, attributing the change to feedback regarding the sustainability of maintaining an extensive list of events worldwide. In a statement, Madison Cushman Veld, a Google spokesperson, explained, ‘For over a decade, we’ve partnered with timeanddate.com to show public holidays and national observances. After receiving input that other events and countries were missing, we found that consistently adding hundreds of cultural moments was not scalable. Therefore, we reverted to highlighting only public holidays and national observances.’

Despite Google’s assertion of a rationale behind the change, critics argue that the removal of these observances disregards the importance of diversity and representation within the tech industry. Social media response has been swift, with users demanding accountability and urging the company to reinstate the removed events.

As the backlash continues, the implications of this decision may extend beyond user dissatisfaction. Many tech companies, including Google, have been under scrutiny concerning their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies and their commitments to represent marginalized communities. In a related note, Google has announced that it will also no longer have DEI hiring targets, citing recent legal decisions affecting diversity initiatives.

The decision to assess DEI programs reveals a broader trend in the tech industry wherein companies are reevaluating their internal policies within the context of shifting legal landscapes regarding diversity. The tension between federal regulations and corporate responsibility is palpable as companies navigate the complex discourse surrounding inclusion.

With Google moving forward, its approach to diversity and cultural awareness in tools like the Calendar will likely be scrutinized more heavily. As Veld stated, the company is committed to providing equal opportunities for employees and ensuring its service offerings reflect its diverse user base.