Uber’s diversity chief put on leave after complaints of insensitivity

Uber has placed its longtime head of diversity, equity and inclusion on leave after workers complained that an employee event she moderated, titled “Don’t Call Me Karen,” was insensitive to people of color.

Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s CEO, and Nikki Krishnamurthy, chief people officer, last week asked Bo Young Lee, head of diversity, “to step back and take a leave of absence while we determine next steps,” according to an email Thursday from Krishnamurthy to some employees that was viewed by The New York Times.

“We have heard that many of you are in pain and upset by yesterday’s Moving Forward session,” the email said. “While it was meant to be a dialogue, it’s obvious that those who attended did not feel heard.”