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https://n2v.almanacnews.com/square/print/2017/08/02/guest-opinion-facebook-needs-corporate-social-responsibility-policy

Town Square

Guest opinion: Facebook needs corporate social responsibility policy

Original post made on Aug 2, 2017

In Kate Bradshaw's article, "Facebook unveils plans for giant new development in Menlo Park" (The Almanac, July 7), her statement, "Facebook has been expanding its land holdings, office space and workforce in Menlo Park at a breakneck rate," is one that I agree with. Oftentimes, a mantra in the technology industry is: "Move fast and build things." But in my opinion, when tech companies build or expand, there should be ethics involved. One way this can be done is via creating a corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy.

Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 12:00 AM

Comments

Posted by Hear Hear for Justice
a resident of Menlo Park: The Willows
on Aug 2, 2017 at 8:00 pm

Thank you Ms Brown. Facebook walks a fine line between wanting to be financially successful and also sensitive to the impacts its massive company leaves on a mid-size suburban community. No one can deny that the company has been sprinkling both Belle Haven and East Palo Alto with financial contributions, Grants, gifts, and employee participation in community efforts.

When the City Council welcomed Facebook and then approved each and every expansion application, it was obvious that the city staff wanted Facebook to stay and to grow. With the latest 9 office buildings being proposed, Facebook employee population will be more than half of our town's total population.

You are right to point out that along with Facebook's growth that the company and the city government take an oath to respect the residents who live here now. Whether you live in a single family $2M home or a garage in Belle Haven, you were here before Facebook and you might ask yourself what your responsibility is to accommodate this company's commute traffic and housing needs.

Do no harm. Perfect start for an oath based on being socially responsible. True compassion is well within Mr. Zuckerberg's capability. He has shown great promise as a fully evolved human being. I hope he responds to this well written piece and the letter you sent to him in 2016.

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