Systemic racial bias against black employees at Google

The preliminary settlement, filed in federal court in Oakland, California, covers over 4,000 current and former employees in California and New York. The agreement, addressing racial bias, awaits judicial approval.

The lawsuit claims Google maintained a racially discriminatory corporate culture disproportionately affecting Black employees. Reports indicate Black workers were pushed into lower-paying roles, received lower performance ratings, and were consistently denied advancement opportunities. As of 2021, Black employees made up only 4.4% of Google’s workforce and 3% of its management.

April Curley, a former Google employee and lead plaintiff, was hired to boost Black recruitment from U.S. colleges and universities. She accused Google of denying promotions to Black employees, using racially derogatory descriptions, and obstructing reports on internal practices. Curley also claimed Google terminated her employment.

Curley and other plaintiffs cited additional racist behaviors at Google, alleging these actions aimed to force Black employees to leave the company. While Google agreed to the $50 million settlement, it continues to deny any liability.

Courtney Mancini, a Google spokesperson, stated: “We strongly disagree with claims of mistreatment and remain committed to consistent pay, hiring, and leveling for all employees.”

The settlement also allows plaintiffs’ attorneys to claim up to $12.5 million in legal fees from Google’s designated payout.

In recent days, the legal team has presented new evidence and arguments against Google. The lawsuit, filed in March 2022 following investigations by California’s Department of Human Rights into Google’s treatment of Black female employees, is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

This case has intensified public scrutiny of systemic racism in the tech industry, highlighting challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion at one of Silicon Valley’s most powerful companies.