In recent weeks, Google Calendar has come under scrutiny for the omission of key cultural observances such as the first days of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Previously, these vital dates were prominently marked at the beginning of February and March, serving as reminders of significant moments in history that deserve recognition. However, for 2025, users will find these observances notably absent. Reports from The Verge brought this issue to light, highlighting concerns raised by users regarding the erasure of these crucial days from the platform.
A spokesperson for Google clarified that these updates aren’t entirely abrupt but are part of a broader effort that originated in mid-2023. According to the spokesperson, the Calendar team had previously aimed to include a diverse array of cultural moments worldwide. While the intention was noble, it became clear that maintaining a comprehensive and relevant calendar that accurately represented various cultural events and celebrations was challenging, if not impossible. This complicated task of manually curating hundreds of significant moments became increasingly unsustainable. As a result, the company has shifted its approach, deciding to focus solely on public holidays and national observances sourced from timeanddate.com.
The recent changes within Google Calendar cannot be extricated from the political landscape in the United States. The company, alongside other tech giants, has begun to realign its policies with the prevailing political climate. Following the election of former President Donald Trump, Google has not only revised its approach to diversity hiring—discontinuing its previously established goals—but has also set in motion a broader shift in the representation of cultural observances. This pivot echoes the recent decisions made by the Trump administration, which included the removal of government-supported Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
This larger context brings into question Google’s responsibility as a global tech leader. By selectively choosing which cultural moments to highlight, the company risks marginalizing significant histories tied to race, gender, and identity. Notably, Google Calendar has seen the elimination of other meaningful events, such as Indigenous Peoples Month on November 1 and LGBTQ+ Pride Month starting June 1. As a part of these adjustments, users are encouraged to take a more active role by manually adding their important cultural moments to their calendars.
Google’s decision to rein in the cultural observances listed on its Calendar service raises pivotal questions about the role of digital platforms in fostering inclusivity. As users navigate these changes, it becomes increasingly important for technology companies to consider how their platforms reflect the diversity of their audiences. The subtle exclusion of notable observances could contribute to a culture of erasure, undermining efforts made by marginalized communities to advocate for their histories and experiences.
Google Calendar’s recent adjustments are not merely a matter of technological optimization but rather a significant cultural shift that illustrates the impact of political climates on corporate policies. As history unfolds, it will be crucial for platforms like Google Calendar to celebrate and promote inclusivity rather than diminish it, inviting users to engage meaningfully with their heritage concurrently.