Google Calendar removes Pride, Black History Month observances

Google Calendar has sparked significant backlash after removing several cultural observances from its default holiday list, including Pride Month, Black History Month, and Indigenous Peoples Month. The company stated that the decision, made in mid-2024, was driven by sustainability concerns as managing a broad range of cultural events globally had become impractical. Critics argue that this move reflects a troubling trend in tech companies retreating from diversity initiatives amid a political climate influenced by the Trump administration. Users have expressed frustration, accusing Google of erasing important cultural celebrations and making them less visible. While Google encourages users to manually add these observances, many feel this undermines their recognition and accessibility. The decision has ignited a broader debate about inclusivity and the role of tech companies in supporting marginalized communities.