Google tweaks rules for office guest speakers after row over controversial Indian historian Rajiv Malhotra
- The directive calls for avoiding topics that could be ‘disruptive or undermine Google’s culture of belonging’
- The move came after the tech giant cancelled a talk by Malhotra who had described homosexuality as a medical condition and Islam as a destructive force
The policy released on Thursday is Google’s latest effort to preserve an open culture while addressing divisions that have emerged as its workforce has grown.
Workers at Google and other big tech companies in recent years have clashed and protested over politics and racial and gender equity. Also, Alphabet, Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc all face union organising drives whose demands include that the companies adopt progressive policies.
The Google speaker rules cite risk to the brand from certain talks and asks workers to “consider whether there’s a business reason for hosting the speaker and if the event directly supports our company goals.”
It calls for avoiding topics that could be “disruptive or undermine Google’s culture of belonging” and reiterates that speakers are barred from advocacy of political candidates and ballot measures.
“We’ve always been proud to host external speakers at Google, as they provide great opportunities for learning and connection for our employees,” Google spokesman Ryan Lamont said. The updated process will “ensure these events are useful and contribute to a productive work environment.”