Upon first glance, Google’s calendar hasn’t changed. The formatting is still the same, yet upon second glance a user can see the content has shifted. Google has officially removed a list of dates, including Pride Month, Black History Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jewish Heritage Month, and Indigenous People’s Day.
The importance of remembering and representing all groups lies with the people. Without fair and equal representation, a community is unable to grow, unable to thrive. With the removal of the representation Google has previously supported, people have been left in the unknown, wondering why they are no longer being represented as they historically have been.
An article from USA Today reported on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) removal President Trump Included as one of his Executive Orders. The removal of this organization has caused a drastic impact on organizations such as Google, with the removal of their D.E.I. program reducing employment opportunities for applicants nationwide.
Google users provided feedback to the company on the Google Support Page. One user commented, “I am disappointed that you have removed cultural events from your calendar. I always envisioned google as a force for good in the word, and not racially or culturally biased.” Another user commented, “All Americans and those we are close to should have their holidays represented and marked on the calendar.” Users all agreed that google needs to “DO BETTER” as one user said.
The removal of representation on Google for minority groups is harmful and detrimental to minority and underrepresented groups in the United States. Google needs to recognize the harm they have created with this removal before everyone loses representation on their calendar.
