Tech giant Microsoft has reportedly laid off its internal team, responsible for managing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  The reason for the reported layoff has been mentioned as "changing business needs,".

According to a report by Business Insider, the layoffs that took effect on July 1, have sparked controversy within the company.

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The move comes despite Microsoft emphasising in its Global Diversity and Inclusion Report 2023, that its investment in D&I work is aimed at making internal progress. The company also announced to increase Black and African-American leaders within the company by 2025. 

In its report, Microsoft also claimed to have diversity and inclusion as central to its audacious mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.