Microsoft Promises Transparency Regarding Sexual Harassment Cases
The last few months have seen many high profile outings of sexual offenders, the most recently infamous being Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The sheer number of victims stepping forward in this wake has introduced a nationwide discussion about sexual harassment, and what is being done to in deter it in the workplace. One point of contention is arbitration agreements, a practice which keeps harassment cases from seeing public eyes. Microsoft promises to now drop usage of these agreements, hoping to hold future offenders completely accountable.
Many companies have policies in place that keep these kinds of cases out of court, while keeping them shoved back and hidden from public eyes. Though protection is generally seen as a good thing, sometimes these same protective polices allow for more shadier practices to occur while also seemingly giving serial offenders a free pass to continue on with their misconduct.
“The silencing of people’s voices has clearly had an impact in perpetuating sexual harassment,” Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith told New York Times. Smith admits the decision to drop arbitration is “largely symbolic,” as many of the company’s staff are reportedly not compelled to follow any such agreements. He concludes that Microsoft as a whole will ultimately support future legislation that aims to make forced arbitration agreements a thing of the past.
As the #MeToo conversation continues, countless more serial offenders have been brought to light in the entertainment industry. The last month saw Disney Animation head John Lasseter receive shocking allegations of abuse, and much more blatant claims contributed to an implosion of gaming forum NeoGAF.
What do you think? Is it good to see a big company take responsibility like this, or are they just empty Microsoft promises? Let is know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! Fore more on the topic of controversy, check out these next few news links:
Eric Hall2712 Posts
Phone-browsing Wikipedia in one hand and clutching his trusty controller in the other, the legendary Eric Hall spreads his wealth of knowledge as a writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. Be sure to catch his biweekly "Throwback Thursday" segment for a nostalgic look at trivia from the past.
