News - Salesforce Leaders Address the Backlash from Benioff's ICE Joke

In the aftermath of controversial comments made by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff regarding ICE, co-founder Parker Harris confronted the repercussions during an internal meeting, as reported by Business Insider. Acknowledging Benioff's inappropriate jokes at a company event in Las Vegas, Harris expressed that he was 'not OK with it.' Notably, a transcript of this meeting was leaked online, highlighting an internal struggle at Salesforce about handling such sensitive topics in public forums. Harris advised employees to voice concerns internally rather than forwarding them to media outlets, warning that leaks constitute a fireable offense under the company's Code of Conduct. At the center of this controversy were Benioff's light-hearted comments about ICE agents allegedly monitoring Salesforce employee activities, which triggered employee anger on platforms such as Slack, where numerous Salesforce employees expressed their discontent. Key figures like Slack General Manager Rob Seaman openly addressed their concerns, aligning their personal values with those upset by Benioff's remarks. Craig Broscow, a Salesforce Vice President, resonated with the 'deep disappointment' within the organization, pushing for a public acknowledgment from Benioff regarding the distress his words caused. The situation brought to light the larger discourse on corporate responsibilities and the influence of leadership comments on company culture. During his meeting, Harris reiterated that Salesforce should not be seen as a political entity and encouraged employees to make use of their right to vote as a form of civic engagement. He concluded his address with an openness to continued dialogue about the matter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidentiality to preserve organizational integrity. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and discussions within Salesforce, echoing broader debates on the responsibilities of corporate leaders in today’s complex political and social climate.