A couple of thoughts come up, I'm not a white guy and I'm offended by that guys statement, its prejudiced and I'd be embarrassed if that came out of my mouth.
Second if a company is going to trade on being a meritocracy, then be a meritocracy. Why have a diversity council, why be concerned over a bunch of "white guys" and what they can't learn. If they are the best at what they do and if github considers good management traits include compassion and empathy, then whats it matter what color they are the best people would rise up regardless.
We women get worse education, so the solution is to lower hiring standards for us?
Seriously?
Lobby for better women education, sponsor groups and events engaging in that, but don't hire less qualified people just for their genitals or their skin color.
Except that, in all but the most intangible possible metrics, at least in the US women officially get better educations, as measured by graduation rates, grades, and sanctions including most especially medical interventions (for ADD), for both K-12 and college. And in the former most of their teachers are women.
Second if a company is going to trade on being a meritocracy, then be a meritocracy. Why have a diversity council, why be concerned over a bunch of "white guys" and what they can't learn. If they are the best at what they do and if github considers good management traits include compassion and empathy, then whats it matter what color they are the best people would rise up regardless.
This is just prejudice plain and simple.