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MAY 12, 2005
How Microsoft Changed Its Mind [Page 3 of 4] Microsoft employees began to take sides on the issue, signing petitions. This one, asking Microsoft to support the bill prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, had 1,741 signatures on May 10. Please help Microsoft live up to its values by signing this letter. To add your name, click New Item below. I'm proud of Microsoft's values and our track record on diversity. I was surprised and disheartened to learn that we decided not to support House bill 1515 after supporting this bill last year. Our values clearly state that discrimination based on sexual orientation is unacceptable. Withdrawing our support for this bill is not a neutral statement -- it sends a clear message to the world that Microsoft will not stand up for our stated values. Steve Ballmer's recent email to the company asks, "When should a public company take a position on a broader social issue?" The fact is that Microsoft, like many other companies, has already taken a position on discrimination. We have a responsibility as a leading corporation to support legislation related to this fundamental workplace issue. I believe it is a mistake to dismiss discrimination as a social issue; it is a civil rights issue. From a PR perspective, it is embarrassing that last Monday we launched our largest marketing campaign ever and on Friday we received a black eye in the New York Times for withdrawing support for this bill. Companies such as Boeing, Coors, QWEST -- and even Nike, a company with a poor human rights record due to sweatshop labor, supported this bill. I can only imagine that this further damages our already embattled brand. What can we do to remedy the damage we've done to civil rights in Washington and to reaffirm our commitment to living up to our values? Here are three suggestions: 1. Reinstate support for HB1515 and other anti-discrimination legislation. 2. Investigate whether Brad Smith's decision was influenced by Pastor Ken Hutcherson. The evidence outlined in [Seattle alternative weekly] The Stranger article indicates this was a factor. 3. Make a financial donation to an anti-discrimination group in WA. I hope that our senior leadership has the courage to take action that shows Microsoft stands firmly united against discrimination. A second petition, written by a conservative Christian employee, encouraged Microsoft to remain neutral on the bill. It received 197 signatures by May 10. Company Values for EVERYONE We, employees working at Microsoft, applaud the company's stance on ensuring a positive work environment for ALL people. The policies Microsoft has set forth guarantee that ALL are free to live out their personal beliefs without fear of retribution within the company. We are also very proud of Microsoft's position to remain neutral regarding HB 1515. Regardless of our personal support or opposition to this type of legislation, we acknowledge that there are many differing opinions and thus we fully believe that Microsoft should NOT take any official position regarding future proposed laws that do not directly relate to its ability to conduct business. As personnel here at Microsoft who feel EVERYONE's beliefs should be respected, we are fully committed to upholding Microsoft's internal policies on diversity and harassment.
BW MALL
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