Microsoft calls the Derek Chauvin verdict 'a step forward'

Microsoft logo
Microsoft logo (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft President Brad Smith shared a statement on the Derek Chauvin verdict.
  • Chauvin was convicted of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
  • The statement calls the verdict "a step forward in acknowledging painful truths and for the continued cause of defeating racism and fighting discrimination."

Microsoft President Brad Smith shared an official statement from Microsoft on the Derek Chauvin verdict on Microsoft's blog:

Our nation has a long journey ahead before it establishes the justice and equity that Black Americans deserve. The murder of George Floyd is a tragedy and a crime, and no jury can bring him back to life or reverse the pain and trauma experienced by his family and still felt across the country and around the world. Today's verdict is a step forward in acknowledging painful truths and for the continued cause of defeating racism and fighting discrimination. Our company remains committed to the continued path ahead.

In the statement, Smith links to another Microsoft blog post on addressing racial injustice. That post discusses three areas that Microsoft will focus on; increasing its representation and culture of inclusion, engaging with its ecosystem to extend societal change, and strengthening black and African American communities with the power of data, technology, and partnerships.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.