Girls Who Code ends partnership with Activision Blizzard

The non-profit organization Girls Who Code announced today the end of its partnership with Activision Blizzard after allegations of gender discrimination and harassment at the company.

“However, following recent revelations about allegations of assault, harassment, and a toxic work environment throughout the company, we have decided to end our partnership.”

GWC’s main goal is to increase the number of women in the field of computer field in which they are extremely under-represented.

“Our priority has and always will be to stand up for women and other underrepresented groups in tech and ensure that they are given the support and stability they need to actively thrive as they pursue a career in computer science.”

This decision comes three days after the bombshell report by The Wall Street Journal that revealed more of a culture within the company that allowed harassment for years.

The report also says CEO Bobby Kotick threatened to kill an assistant in one occasion.

“The news about Activision proves that our priorities are fundamentally misaligned. We cannot in good conscience continue to work with a company that is so antithetical to our own values.”

“We stand in solidarity with those at Activision who bravely came forward about their experiences and hope they see the justice and accountability they richly deserve. We also stand with their colleagues who have suffered the collateral consequences of such a failure of company leadership.”

The announcement by GWC comes after SIE president Jim Ryan and Xbox head Phil Spencer criticized Activision Blizzard.

Both Activision Blizzard and Girls Who Code became partners in 2018.

[Source]: Girls Who Code (Medium): An Update On Girls Who Code’s Partnership with Activision Blizzard – [Archive]. WSJ: Activision CEO Bobby Kotick Knew for Years About Sexual-Misconduct Allegations at Videogame Giant – [Archive].