In recent years, diversity has become a major component of Silicon Valley. With countless industries prioritizing the employment of minorities and women, it is evident the tech industry is heading in a progressive direction. However, multiple employees have come forth with polarizing information about the company’s practices – prompting the question: Is the tech industry too progressive or not progressive enough?

Recently, countless employees of Google have criticized the company’s approach to diversity. Some, like former employee James Damore, have stated the company discriminates against white males in aims of uplifting women and minorities working in the industry. However, Google engineer Tim Chavalier has filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming he has faced discrimination as a transgender male.

In the case of Damore’s memo, it is evident that companies like Google are going too far in their effort to push diversity. In particular, the employee criticized the mandatory diversity workshops the company held in which higher-ups denounced “white male” employees on the sole basis of gender and race in order to uplift minorities. While the workshops the company held seemed like a considerate idea in practice, they produced counterproductive results that fueled dissent in a company where employees should be unified.

While Damore’s criticisms reflect the opposite of Chavalier’s, the employee’s grievances should still be addressed. No individual should feel attacked or discriminated against in their workplace. Google is a place of creativity – and bright minds that operate and carry the company should be lifted up, not stomped on by higher-ups for possessing characteristics unrelated to their profession.

Despite the pendulum the accusations swing against, it is clear there must be a reform on the way Silicon Valley companies treat their employees. In most cases, diversity is needed in order to bring fresh thoughts and ideas into a creative workspace like Google. However, individuals hired specifically by the company should not be excluded nor penalized for characteristics they cannot control.