GOOGLE CALENDAR REMOVES KEY CULTURAL EVENTS, SPARKING BACKLASH
Google Calendar has removed several cultural events from their default holiday list, sparking widespread criticism and disappointment. The removed events include Pride Month, Black History Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jewish Heritage, Hispanic Heritage, and Indigenous People Month.
BACKGROUND
According to Google, these events were removed as part of changes to their default holiday list. The company had been manually adding a broad range of cultural events across different regions, but maintaining hundreds of events consistently proved unsustainable.
GOOGLE’S EXPLANATION
Google explained that for over a decade, they collaborated with external sources to display public holidays and national observances. However, in recent years, they added a broader set of cultural moments globally, which became difficult to maintain.
As a result, starting in mid-2024, Google reverted to showing only public holidays and national observances, leaving users to manually add other important events.
BACKLASH
The removal of these cultural events has sparked a significant backlash, with many users expressing frustration and disappointment. Critics argue that these events are essential for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that their removal is a step backward.
USERS REACT
Many users have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration. Some have called for Google to reinstate the removed events, while others have criticized the company for not prioritizing diversity and inclusion.
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS
In response to the backlash, Google has suggested that users can manually add the removed events to their calendars. However, critics argue that this solution is not sufficient, as it places the burden on individual users rather than the company.
CONCLUSION
Google Calendar’s removal of key cultural events has sparked a significant backlash, highlighting the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. While Google has explained the reasons behind the removal, critics argue that the company should prioritize reinstating these events to promote a more inclusive environment.
