Welcome to Human Capital, your source for the newest developments in diversity, equity, inclusion, and labor issues within the technology sector. This week brings updates from Twitter and Tesla regarding their diversity reports, alongside Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s response to concerns surrounding Dr. Timnit Gebru, a leading figure in artificial intelligence ethics.

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Google’s Sundar Pichai to Review Events Surrounding Dr. Timnit Gebru’s Departure

Following the recent departure of artificial intelligence researcher Dr. Timnit Gebru from Google, CEO Sundar Pichai distributed a message to employees, as reported by Axios, stating the company will conduct a review of “the events leading to Dr. Gebru’s exit, assessing areas for improvement and ensuring a more respectful process moving forward.”

Pichai’s message acknowledged the need for the company to “take ownership of the fact that a highly talented, prominent Black woman leader left Google with dissatisfaction.” He also highlighted the impact this situation has had on underrepresented groups within Google.

In reaction, Dr. Gebru expressed her skepticism on Twitter, stating she observed “continued misrepresentation” rather than any commitment to accountability. During an interview with Venture Beat, Gebru characterized Pichai’s memo as “demeaning” and contributing to a perception of her as an “angry Black woman.”

Project Diane Reports Growth in Startups Led by Black Women and Latinas

The number of startups founded by Black women and Latinas has doubled since 2018, increasing from 334 to over 650, according to data from Project Diane. While these founders have secured increased funding compared to 2018, they continue to raise less capital than the national average. 

This year, Black women and Latina founders collectively raised $3.1 billion, a significant increase from the $1 billion raised in 2018. However, the typical seed funding round for Black women is $125,000 and $200,000 for Latina founders, considerably lower than the national median of $2.5 million.

Tesla Publishes Initial Diversity Report

Tesla has released its first diversity report, revealing that its U.S. workforce is comprised of 34% White, 22% Hispanic, 10% Black, 21% Asian, and 7% representing “other groups.” While these figures are not unfavorable, it’s important to consider that a substantial portion of Tesla’s employees work in its manufacturing facilities, which are known to have issues and have faced accusations of racism and discrimination.  

Looking at leadership positions, Tesla’s leadership is 59% White, 25% Asian, 4% Black, and 4% Hispanic, with only 1% from “other groups.”

Tesla’s gender diversity presents a clear disparity. Men constitute 79% of the overall Tesla workforce and 83% of its leadership team in the United States.

Twitter Demonstrates Modest Gains in Latest Diversity Report

Twitter’s most recent quarterly diversity report indicates improvements in the representation of women, Black, Latinx, and multiracial employees throughout the company. Furthermore, the representation of women and Black individuals has increased within leadership roles. Nevertheless, Twitter remains 56.7% male and 41% White. 

Uber Advocates for Vaccine Priority for Drivers and Delivery Personnel

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has sent a letter to all 50 state governors requesting that drivers and delivery workers be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination as essential workers. Khosrowshahi’s letter emphasizes the critical role these workers play, arguing that their services have become indispensable. Uber aims to facilitate their access to the vaccine “quickly, easily, and without cost,” as stated in the letter, and is offering assistance in disseminating vaccine information and encouraging eligible individuals to get vaccinated.

Reports Suggest Apple Was Aware of Chinese Labor Law Violations

Three former employees of Apple’s Supplier Responsibility team recently stated that the company took no action when its suppliers breached China’s temporary worker labor law. This law stipulates that temporary workers should not exceed 10% of a factory’s total workforce. According to The Information, Apple refrained from intervention due to concerns about increased expenses, resource constraints, and potential delays in product launches.