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After GitHub CEO backs Black Lives Matter, workers demand an end to ICE contract (latimes.com)

677 points by Xordev · 2303 days ago · 790 comments on HN

Article summary

GitHub's CEO expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement, but refused to reconsider the company's contract with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing a policy of not picking and choosing customers. This decision sparked frustration and outrage among employees, who see the company's stance on Black Lives Matter as conflicting with its continued business with ICE. The company had previously faced criticism from employees over its contract with ICE, with some arguing that it makes GitHub complicit in human rights abuses. The issue has been ongoing, with the company donating to nonprofits that help communities affected by immigration policies, but this gesture has not quelled employee anger.

Main themes

  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Political activism
  • Immigration policy
  • Human rights
  • Police brutality
  • Appeal to authority
  • Logical fallacies
  • Corporate accountability

What commenters say

  • Companies that take a political stance should be held accountable for it and consider the implications of their actions.
  • Supporting one social cause does not necessarily imply support for all related causes, and companies should be able to take nuanced stances.
  • ICE's actions are seen as violating human rights and perpetuating police brutality, making it inconsistent for companies to support Black Lives Matter while doing business with ICE.
  • The appeal to authority is a logical fallacy, even when the authority is an expert, and arguments should stand on their own merit.
  • Companies cannot stay out of politics, especially when they have a platform that can serve public content, and should be prepared to address criticism and take a stance.
  • Taking a political stance can lead to criticism and backlash, and companies should consider the potential consequences before making a statement.
  • The issue of ICE and its actions is complex and multifaceted, and companies should consider the nuances of the issue before making a decision.
  • Corporations are inherently political and should be aware of the implications of their actions, including the acceptance of government contracts.