Sure but it's really not that hard to keep things under control in the work place. I have my own opinions, sometimes I share them at work, sometimes people may disagree, however, I don't "rack up multiple HR complaints" like this guy did.
Firstly, these came from events he was _invited_ to speak at. If you invite someone to speak and then don't let them speak their mind what was the point in inviting them?
Secondly, as a non-american none of the things he mentions are egregious. A bit unprofessional? Yeah, probably. But not worthy of being reported to HR.
How do you know whether or not the things he said were worthy of reporting to HR? He didn't say what they were for a reason
To me, it sounds like people wanted to "hold him accountable" for upsetting them. You clearly think otherwise.
And I don't know, but the article makes me believe he is not out to attack people. Some people have also pointed out cultural differences that are likely at play here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26168899.
Again, you clearly think differently given one of your other comments: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26170030.
No this is exactly what I think. I think it is valid for people to air the grievances. I think the difference here is that you are skeptical of the validity if their complaints. If I am right, this is a pretty fundamental difference in world view that I doubt can be reconciled on a HN thread at this point unless you disagree
If there's a specific demographic that is consistently affected by what you're saying, there might be an issue though.