Dear @BradSmi: I have some questions about your recent tweet (https://twitter.com/BradSmi/status/1055270186616586240 …) saying "Trans people are an important part of Microsoft’s workforce. We oppose any move that treats them as less than equal. We value our trans employees."
-
-
In 2017, Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn jointly recommended Jeff Mateer to a lifetime appointment on the Federal bench. After it was revealed Mateer had described transgender children as part of "Satan's plan", Cruz stood by Mateer's nomination.https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2017/09/28/cruz-stands-trump-court-pick-sees-satans-plan-transgender-kids …
Show this thread -
On March 6, 2018, Microsoft PAC donated $1,000 to Cruz's campaign. Was Microsoft then aware of Cruz's support for Mateer? Do you think this support is an example of "opposing any move that treats trans employees as less than equal"? Will you demand that Cruz return this donation?
Show this thread -
For that matter, Microsoft PAC donated $5,000 to Senator Cornyn on December 31, 2017. While Cornyn expressed initial surprise at Mateer's remarks, he never disavowed the nominee or withdrew his support. Will you press Sen. Cornyn for an explanation on his views on "Satan's plan"?pic.twitter.com/3PZeY42Gyl
Show this thread -
More broadly, how is it that Microsoft can voice an unequivocal and apparently sincere belief in the dignity and equality of its transgender employees, while continuing to give material support to candidates and a party that is threatening transgender rights this very moment?
Show this thread -
Are Microsoft's political donations exempt from the company's expressed values? If so, how can Microsoft claim to be defending the rights of its employees? If not, then why were these donations made, and by whom? What will Microsoft do to redress the wrong? Thank you for reading
Show this thread -
CORRECTION: in this thread I called out a $1,000 donation from Microsoft to Ted Cruz, but forgot to include an additional $4,000 donation from Microsoft to Senator Cruz made on September 28, bringing the total to $5,000. Pinboard regrets the error.pic.twitter.com/tXWstPQ9P3
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.