Microsoft's Extraordinary Moral Stand

Often there is a lot of talk about corporations standing with their team members; sometimes followed by a lot of inaction.    This past week, coming out of the shadow of the President's decision to rescind DACA, Microsoft, as well as many other corporate influencers, made strong commitments to their workforce.

On the Microsoft blog, Brad Smith, President and Chief Legal Officer of Microsoft wrote:  "We are deeply disappointed by the administration's decision today to rescind protection under the program for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).  As we said last week, we believe this is a big step back for our entire country."

There it is - the "putting our neck out" statement that has been all too uncommon among corporate cultures when issues this vital are on the national agenda.   Beyond the words, however, came the commitment to a plan of action.    In the blog, Smith urges congress to protect the Dreamers as a priority, even before it takes up the money issue of tax reform.  "We say this even though Microsoft, like many other companies, cares greatly about modernizing the tax system and making it fairer and more competitive.   But we need to put the humanitarian needs of these 800,000 people on the legislative calendar before a tax bill."

Microsoft outlines the compelling financial reason for this, but then goes on to make the ethical case.  "As this debate moves forward, we need to remember that these 800,000 individuals came to our nation as children.  They grew up in this country.  They attended our local schools and count millions of American citizens as friends.  They obey our laws, pay taxes here and have registered voluntarily with the federal government for DACA relief.  They are loyal to this country and contribute their time and money to local churches, schools and community groups.  The Dreamers are part of our nation's fabric.  They belong here."

But is Microsoft prepared to put its money to support it's words?  "For the 39 Dreamers that we know of who are our employees, our commitment is clear.  If congress fails to act, our company will exercise its legal rights properly to help protect our employees.   If the government seeks to deport any one of them, we will provide and pay for their legal counsel.  We will also file an amicus brief and explore whether we can directly intervene in any such case.  In short, if Dreamers who are our employees are in court, we will be by their side."

It's worth noting the ratio.  39 people - out of a workforce of tens of thousands.   It would be very convenient to ignore such a small number; Microsoft is doing the opposite, they are making a major effort to support this group.

Microsoft is displaying the moral courage, leadership and ethics that is currently lacking in the administrative and legislative branches.

And it is inspiring.

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