Seattle Youth Commissioner Lila Fu Shares Experience at Youth Climate Assembly

Seattle Youth Commissioner Lila Fu shares her experience at the Youth Climate Assembly, where teens from all over the city discuss climate issues and advise local officials. The assembly focuses on adaptation to climate impacts, with a diverse range of voices represented. Participants discussed specific climate events, made cause-and-effect maps, and presented their findings. The event aims to help Seattle build a new community action plan.

Microsoft has terminated four employees who participated in protests against the company's ties to Israel, following a series of demonstrations on company premises. The protests were sparked by a media investigation revealing that an Israeli military surveillance agency was using Microsoft's Azure software to monitor Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza [1].

The company stated that the terminations were due to serious breaches of company policies, citing safety concerns. The protests included a sit-in at the office of Microsoft President Brad Smith, where seven protesters were arrested. Among those fired were Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli, who were part of the group "No Azure for Apartheid" [1].

The protest group has demanded that Microsoft cut ties with Israel and pay reparations to Palestinians. They argue that Microsoft's Azure software is being used to commit genocide. Microsoft has responded by saying it respects freedom of expression but that the protests violated company policies [1].

This incident comes amidst a backdrop of growing international pressure on companies to sever ties with Israel due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The latest conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in thousands of Palestinian deaths and a severe hunger crisis [1].

In a separate incident, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman's remarks were interrupted by a pro-Palestinian employee during the company's 50th anniversary celebration. That employee was also subsequently fired [1].

The protests and terminations highlight the complex intersection of corporate responsibility, international politics, and employee activism. As global attention shifts towards climate issues, Microsoft's actions will be closely scrutinized by investors and financial professionals.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/microsoft-fires-four-workers-on-site-protests-over-companys-ties-israel-2025-08-29/