San Francisco, California — Internal discord at Salesforce is growing following comments made by CEO Marc Benioff that many employees found offensive. Parker Harris, cofounder and chief technical officer of the company, recently addressed the issue in a team meeting, expressing his disapproval of Benioff’s jokes about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In remarks shared via an employee’s Slack post, Harris acknowledged a backlash from employees in response to Benioff’s comments made during an employee-only event in Las Vegas last week. Although he identified the humor as inappropriate, he emphasized that his critique would remain internal. “Marc made a very bad joke,” Harris stated, hinting at the broader implications of such remarks.
The controversy erupted after Benioff reportedly made several jokes about ICE, which included references to the agency surveilling Salesforce employees. This drew ire and anger from staff, leading to heated discussions on Slack, the workplace communication platform owned by Salesforce. Rob Seaman, general manager of Slack, openly addressed the issue, noting his personal disagreement with the remarks. “They do not align with my personal values, and I know this to be the case for many of you as well,” he wrote in a message to employees.
Harris urged his team to discuss the situation openly rather than leaking information to media outlets. He reiterated the importance of confidentiality, emphasizing that any breach could lead to serious consequences, including termination for violating the company’s Code of Conduct. During his comments, Harris indicated that Seaman faced repercussions for his public dissent, highlighting the delicate balance in corporate communication.
Salesforce Vice President Craig Broscow also weighed in, expressing disappointment over Benioff’s remarks. He suggested that a public acknowledgment from the CEO would be beneficial, noting how such oversight has affected employee morale.
In a broader context, Harris reflected on current social issues affecting the United States, indicating that the challenges faced in cities across the nation, including those linked to immigration, extend beyond the company’s software offerings. “It’s hard right now with what is going on,” he said, emphasizing that Salesforce is not a political entity.
Harris encouraged employees to express their views through democratic channels like voting, affirming that personal action is an essential part of the dialogue on such issues. He concluded by reiterating the need for continued internal discussion and assured employees that their concerns would be heard, even if his statements may not provide immediate comfort.
The controversy remains a critical talking point within the company, with many employees hoping for a clearer, more unified response from leadership as they navigate the fallout from Benioff’s comments.