GitHub Reverses Employee Separation Following Investigation
GitHub has reversed its decision to separate with an employee who was let go on Friday, January 8th. The move comes after an independent investigation revealed "significant errors of judgment and procedure" in how the separation was handled.
The company engaged an outside investigator on Monday, January 11th after employees raised concerns over the weekend about the circumstances surrounding the departure. The investigation, which concluded on the evening of Friday, January 15th, prompted immediate action from leadership.
GitHub's head of HR has taken personal accountability and resigned on Saturday, January 16th. The company has since reversed the separation decision and is in communication with the employee's representative. GitHub issued a public apology to the employee directly.
Leadership Statements on Workplace Conduct
GitHub also reiterated statements shared by CEO Nat Friedman and other leadership with employees and the press in the days following the Capitol attack on January 6th. The company condemned the violence and any associated belief systems:
- The attack on the US Capitol was appalling, and the hateful ideologies that propelled it are morally abhorrent to leadership and the company.
- GitHub condemns the attack and all discriminatory belief systems including antisemitism, neo-Nazism, and white supremacy.
- The company does not and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in any form.
- Employees are free to express concerns about discrimination or harassment in internal discussions and are expected to be respectful and follow GitHub policies.
GitHub stated it remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for both employees and the broader community.
