The combined topics of Facebook and race were in the news last week. A Pennsylvania judge ruled that an employee’s personal Facebook page laced with race-based stereotypes could be used to impeach her in her lawsuit, which alleged she was subjected to race discrimination and retaliation.   In addition, Facebook made statements claiming that it does not have a diverse workforce because of a “pipeline” problem, suggesting that the underrepresentation of minorities in tech is a reflection on the educational system.  Minority groups criticized Facebook and pointed to studies showing that even though minority graduation rates are low, their representation in the workplace is even lower.

Discrimination

• Harvard Business Review explained that subtle bias can be even worse than blatant discrimination. 
• BLR suggested ways to create a plan for a transgender employee in transition.
• Robin Shea provided some tips on wellness programs after the EEOC published a sample notice to employees.
• Inc. explained why smart women still get sexually harassed. 
• The EEOC sued a furniture maker after it terminated a pregnant woman because her position required her to work with lacquer.
• A new lawsuit involving Hyperloop One includes an allegation that the general counsel hung a noose from the cofounder’s chair.

Technology

• HR Examiner explained how basic prediction algorithms work and what to look out for.
• Bloomberg described a new app that allows Starbucks employees to swap shifts.
• Cisco announced it will deploy chatbots to help automate basic tasks for small and medium-sized businesses. 
• A provision in an employment agreement prohibiting password-sharing became the centerpiece of a Computer Fraud and Abuse Act case. 
• The Huffington Post discussed Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies in the workplace and the 74 percent of workplaces interested in the idea.
• The U.S. Council of Economic Advisors warned that positions earning less than $20 per hour may be replaced by robots. 
• Josh Bersin set out a plan to measure workplace culture using HR technology.
• SHRM discussed how employees bring cybersecurity issues to work.