Google has quietly removed major cultural observances like Black History Month and Women’s History Month from its popular Calendar tool, marking a shift in how the tech giant handles diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) representation. Previously, events like Pride Month in June and Indigenous Peoples Month in November were noted on the platform. However, these observances are no longer preloaded, drawing criticism from advocates of DEI initiatives.
The company confirmed to CNBC that this change was part of a broader decision made in mid-2024. A spokesperson explained that maintaining hundreds of cultural moments manually across various countries became unsustainable. Instead, Google now displays only public holidays and national observances sourced from timeanddate.com. Users can still add events manually to their calendars for personalization.
Critics have pointed out that this shift aligns with Google’s recent moves to roll back internal DEI goals following national backlash against such policies. Furthermore, recent updates in Google’s services reflect broader political influences. For instance, Google Maps now labels the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, following directives reportedly linked to former President Trump. Similarly, Denali, North America’s tallest peak, has reverted to its former name, Mount McKinley, in compliance with Trump-era policies.
These actions signal a noticeable departure from Google’s previous progressive stances. As DEI-related efforts face increasing scrutiny, Google appears to be navigating a complex landscape of public expectations, political pressures, and operational challenges.
What do you think about Google’s approach to cultural observances and DEI policies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
