Palantir, a tech company that proudly rejects diversity and inclusion, has announced the launch of a fellowship for neurodivergent individuals.
The announcement came shortly after a viral video in which the company’s CEO, Alex Karp, struggles to sit still during a panel discussion.
“If you find yourself relating to him in this video – unable to sit still, or thinking faster than you can speak – we encourage you to apply,” the company wrote on X.
Neurodivergent individuals have brains that process, learn, and behave differently from most people. The term often encompasses conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
While the post on X doesn’t mention what form of neurodiversity Karp has, he previously admitted to having dyslexia, a language-based learning disability.
The job description emphasizes that this is not a diversity initiative, but rather a recognition that neurodivergent individuals have a competitive advantage.
Netizens, however, couldn’t help but notice the parallels with DEI, short for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, initiatives that Palantir’s leadership spoke against.
“Isn’t neurodivergence the kind of ‘woke identity’ stuff that Palantir wants to eradicate? They are just remaking that woke DEI CIA agent advertisement one PR initiative at a time,” a user noted on X.
Karp has recently called Palantir "the first company to be completely anti-woke" and has emphasized the importance of meritocracy, a system in which people are promoted to positions of power based on their abilities.
The fellowship’s job description states that the company is looking for “excellent people from any background” and does not require a formal diagnosis.
Neurodivergent individuals often face significant challenges in finding and maintaining employment. For instance, people with ADHD are 60% more likely to be fired from a job than neurotypical individuals.
However, some users aren’t convinced by the genuineness of the initiative, as they point to the company’s controversial background, suggesting that a single fellowship doesn’t repair the damage done.
“If you want to help out autistic people, why don't you help us live meaningful lives with all the capital you extracted instead of building a literal 1984 surveillance company,” a Redditor who goes by Hamburger Dude asked.
Palantir is best known for billion-dollar contracts with the US military. Critics claim it conducts surveillance of Americans, allegations the company denies.
No less controversial is Palantir’s partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency that has been a subject of protests for using masked agents and unmarked cars in raids aimed at arresting undocumented immigrants.
Some users suggested that Karp’s erratic behavior on the stage may be influenced not by neurodivergence but by stimulant drugs. Palantir says in a post that the CEO made the decision while cross-country skiing, which can be used as an euphemism for cocaine.
Cybernews, however, cannot independently verify these claims.
Palantir’s announcement didn’t seem to interest neurodivergent individuals, some of whom said they did not want to be associated with the company or its leadership.
A Redditor wrote, “To other auties: Please don’t feel like suddenly we’re being radically accepted worldwide because a billionaire wants us to sign up for fellowships, or internships, or give us money to ‘watch us stim’ or whatever.”
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