I was at a a highprofile tech company that everyone on HN knows about. Since I highly dislike bullshit, I straightup asked the hiring manager "does this mean the technical bar is lower for diversity?" Answer: "Yes."
Now, there is some possible justification, in the sense that diversity may bring value to the team. After all, hires are holistic (communication skills, etc.). Especially if diversity of {race, sexuality, gender, etc} meant a diversity of ideas. But without evidence for this (please correct me as needed), and with seemingly less-than-well-justified reasons, it was quite upsetting to me. Something to think about: if we value diversity of ideas, why not value diversity of religion? Beyond the fact that it's a legally protected class, of course (i.e. ethics/value prop, not legality). Or would that somehow be less than ideal?
As an Asian, I feel the issue of "reverse" affirmative action well.
Now, there is some possible justification, in the sense that diversity may bring value to the team. After all, hires are holistic (communication skills, etc.). Especially if diversity of {race, sexuality, gender, etc} meant a diversity of ideas. But without evidence for this (please correct me as needed), and with seemingly less-than-well-justified reasons, it was quite upsetting to me. Something to think about: if we value diversity of ideas, why not value diversity of religion? Beyond the fact that it's a legally protected class, of course (i.e. ethics/value prop, not legality). Or would that somehow be less than ideal?
As an Asian, I feel the issue of "reverse" affirmative action well.