Google fires remaining Ethical AI team leader, months after abrupt departure of her colleague

Mitchell could not immediately be reached for comment beyond her social media post.

Mitchell’s firing likely only adds to tensions that have been brewing within the team, and the company, in the months since Gebru’s departure. And it comes as the company appeared to be trying to turn the page by wrapping up an investigation into the matter and announcing new policy changes.

A copy of the memo, which was obtained by CNN Business, said changes would include having HR employees review “sensitive” employee exits.

In later tweets, Gebru clarified that no one at Google explicitly told her that she was fired. Rather, she said Google would not meet a number of her conditions for returning and accepted her resignation immediately because it felt that her email reflected “behavior that is inconsistent with the expectations of a Google manager.”

In the memo on Friday, Dean said of Gebru’s contentious exit that the company “could have and should have handled this situation with more sensitivity” and that he regrets that it led to some employees questioning whether they belong at Google.

“It’s important that the Research org, along with the rest of Google, is a place where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to succeed,” he wrote. He also said Google will clarify internally what its process is for publishing “sensitive” research going forward.

Dean also said the company will work to address diversity issues by “more than doubling” the staff that works on retaining Google employees. Additionally, he said Google will make diversity, equity and inclusion efforts part of the performance evaluations for Google employees at and above the vice-president level.

Croak will report to Dean. Ten teams centered around AI ethics, fairness, and accessibility — including the Ethical AI team — will report to her.