Bill Gates Set To Resign As Chairman, Will Work Very Closely With New CEO

[Agathe Thies]

"It's been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years. Bill founded our company with a belief in the democratizing force of software and a passion to solve society's most pressing challenges. And Microsoft and the world are better for it. The board has benefited from Bill's leadership and vision. And Microsoft will continue to benefit from Bill's ongoing technical passion and advice to drive our products and services forward. I am grateful for Bill's friendship and look forward to continuing to work alongside him to realize our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Bill Gates Set to Resign As Chairman, Will Work Very Closely With New CEO

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Ballmer, 43, said he was "very excited and very honored," to have been tabbed to head the software behemoth, whose market value of nearly $558 billion is the most of any public company. He said his job will be to transform the company around new software geared toward the Internet and the next generation of Windows services.

Alibaba is the largest e-commerce company in China, with a portfolio ranging from online shopping to cloud computing to food delivery. It reported a total revenue of 158 billion ($23 billion) last fiscal year.

The Burlington Northern decision made clear that whether an action is reasonably likely to deter protected activity depends on the surrounding facts - although the standard is "objective," it is phrased in "general terms" because the "significance of any given act will often depend on the particular circumstances. Context matters."[104] An "act that would be immaterial in some situations is material in others."[105] Indeed, the Supreme Court has held that transferring plaintiff to a harder, dirtier job within the same pay grade and job category and suspending her without pay for 37 days even though the lost pay was later reimbursed, were both "materially adverse actions" that could be challenged as retaliation.[106] Other examples of actionable retaliation cited by the Supreme Court include the FBI's refusing to investigate "death threats" against an agent, the filing of false criminal charges against a former employee, changing the work schedule of a parent who has caretaking responsibilities for school-age children, and excluding an employee from a weekly training lunch that contributes to professional advancement.[107]

Sometimes an employer takes a materially adverse action against an employee who engaged in protected activity by harming a third party who is closely related to or associated with the complaining employee.[138] For example, the Supreme Court explained that it is "obvious that a reasonable worker might be dissuaded from engaging in protected activity if she knew that her fiancé would be fired."[139] Similarly, if an employer punishes an employee for engaging in protected activity by cancelling a vendor contract with the employee's husband (even though he was employed by a contractor, not the employer), it would dissuade a reasonable worker from engaging in protected activity.[140] Although there is no "fixed class of relationships for which third-party reprisals are unlawful[,] . . . firing a close family member will almost always meet the Burlington standard, and inflicting a milder reprisal on a mere acquaintance will almost never do so."[141]

Joe, a mail room employee with an intellectual disability, is having difficulty remembering the supervisor's instructions that are delivered orally at morning staff meetings. Dave, a coworker, explains to Joe that he may be entitled to written instructions as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA and then takes Joe to the human resources department to assist him in requesting accommodation. When the supervisor learns what has happened, he is annoyed that he may have to do "more work" by providing written instructions, and he tells Dave that if he continues to "stir things up" by "putting foolish ideas in Joe's head" with this "accommodation business," he will regret it. The supervisor's threat against Dave for assisting another employee in exercising his ADA rights can constitute interference.

An employee with a vision disability needs special technology in order to use a computer at work. She requests paid administrative leave as an accommodation to visit an off-site vocational technology center with the employer's human resources manager in order to decide on appropriate equipment, as well as for several subsequent appointments at the center during which she will be trained on the computer program selected. Her supervisor objects, but the human resources manager advises him that this is part of the process of accommodating the employee with the equipment under the ADA, and that the leave should be granted. The supervisor calls the employee into his office and tells her that he will allow it this time, but if she ever brings up the ADA again, she "will be sorry." The supervisor's threat constitutes interference with the exercise of ADA rights in violation of the statute, even if not accompanied or followed by any adverse action.

After a lengthy interactive process, an employee with multiple sclerosis is granted a change in schedule as an accommodation. When her condition subsequently worsens, she requests additional accommodations, including telecommuting on days when her symptoms flare up and prevent her from walking. The employer has a policy that prohibits telework. When her supervisor consults human resources, he is advised that the ADA may require making an exception to the usual policy as a reasonable accommodation, unless it would pose an undue hardship. Instead of proceeding with the interactive process, the supervisor tells the employee that if she withdraws her request for accommodation, he will informally allow her to work from home one day per week, but that, if she persists with her formal accommodation request, he will tell human resources that her job cannot be performed from home. The supervisor's actions constitute interference in violation of the ADA.

Dr. Emanuel will continue to serve as the Diane v.S. and Robert M. Levy University Professor and the Vice-Provost for Global Initiatives, two key areas of focus that are closely aligned with the research and teaching he pursued during his leave. He will also continue to teach in the Department, at Wharton, and in the College, and lead the Healthcare Transformation Institute in the Department.

President Bush Meets with President Toledo in Peru
Remarks by President Bush and President Toledo in Joint Press Availability
Presidential Palace
Lima, Peru Country in Focus: Peru


President's Remarks
view
listen 6:00 P.M. EST PRESIDENT TOLEDO: This is an historic visit made by afriend representing a country with which we have had an historicalrelationship. It is not merely a diplomatic visit, it is an officialworking visit and we have touched on substantive issues, which rangefrom the open struggle against poverty, a war without quarter againstterrorism and drug trafficking. I repeat, a war with noambiguities whatsoever, against terrorism and drug trafficking. We've touched on issues of trade, education, even the Peace Corps.But, my friend, George Bush, this Peru is a country that welcomes youwith open arms. We are renewing our friendship and this isthe beginning of a new era in the relationship between Peru and theUnited States. And I'm extremely happy that the two of usare able to begin this relationship. I know you seem younger than I am, but we are both 55 yearsold. And we have a long way ahead of us to worktogether. I know that we both have the energy and thestubbornness, particularly with regard to the issue of terrorism anddrug trafficking, because your country, just like mine, lovespeace. It appreciates life. And we are united onthis. And as of today, we have a strategic alliance of hopefor the future. My friend, welcome to my country. PRESIDENT BUSH: Gracias, Senor Presidente. Itis an honor for me to be the first sitting President of the UnitedStates to visit Peru. I want to thank you for theinvitation. It's a greater honor for Laura and me to comehere as guests of a leader who symbolizes Peru's revitalization. President Toledo and I have now met three times. At eachmeeting I've been impressed by his commitment to democracy and hisdetermination to improve the lives of the people of Peru. Peru is onthe path toward greater freedom and greater prosperity, and Americawill be the partner in this progress, Mr. President. Earlier today, our two governments signed an agreement that willreintroduce the Peace Corps to Peru, after an absence of nearly 30years. The first volunteers will arrive in August, a symbol of thestronger ties between our people and the stronger relationship betweenour nations. This relationship is based on common values and commoninterests. Our nations understand that political andeconomic progress depends on security -- and that security isimpossible in a world with terrorists. Peruvians have beenreminded again this week of the terrible human toll of terror. Onbehalf of the people of the United States, I express our deep sympathyfor the victims of the recent bombing and our deep sympathy for theirloved ones. President Toledo and I share a common perspective onterrorism: We must stop it. Since September the11th, Peru has taken the lead in rallying our hemisphere to take strongaction against this common threat. And I want to thank the Presidentfor his leadership and his strong support. Our nations understand that freedom is only as strong as theinstitutions protecting it. The United States is activelysupporting the President's efforts to strengthen Peru's democraticfoundations. And we will continue to support the work ofPeru's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which is helping correctthe abuses of the past and set the course for a better future. President Toledo and I both understand the importance of providingeconomic opportunity to all our citizens as a hopeful alternative tothe drug trade. We discussed ways to make the assistancethat the United States provides under the Andean Regional Initiativemore effective. And I emphasized to the President mycommitment to renew and extend the Andean Trade PreferencesAct. The United States House of Representatives has movedthis legislation. It is stuck in the Senate, and I urge theSenate to act. President Toledo and I have agreed to renew discussions on abilateral investment treaty, and to complete a debt-for-natureagreement, to help Peru reduce debt payments while it protects itsbiodiversity. I also informed the President that Secretary of Commerce Don Evanswill lead a trade mission to Peru and the Andean region later thisyear. By building these ties of commerce, both our nations create morejobs, more investment, and more benefits for workers and consumers. President Toledo and I believe that education is the key toparticipation in the global economy. The President's ownpath in life is a lesson in how education opens up doors toopportunity. He is passionate on the subject. Ilove his passion, and I appreciate his commitment. And I'm pleased to announce that our country will help establish anAndean Center of Excellence for Teacher Training, with a base here inPeru. The center will support President Toledo's goal of qualityschools with quality teachers, that give more Peruvians the literacyand learning they need to succeed. I've also directed the U.S. Commerce Department, and the U.S. Tradeand Development Agency, to establish an Andean e-business fellowshipprogram, to give more high-tech professionals from this region thechance to learn more about information technology. President Toledo and I have a strong relationship. I'minspired by his life, I'm inspired by his story, I'm inspired by hisleadership. I'm impressed by Peru's progress and I'm veryconfident of Peru's future. Thank you, sir. (Applause.) Q Mr. President -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Which one? (Laughter.) Q You, sir. Given increasingevidence that the FARC is now operating in Peru, will you be willing toprovide President Toledo extra assistance in fighting the war againstterrorism here, should he ask for it? And are you concernedthat what was once a regional problem in Colombia or somethingrestricted to Colombia is now spreading across Colombia's border andthreatening its neighbors? PRESIDENT BUSH: We discussed the neighborhood at lengthtoday. President Toledo told me that he is -- now that he's done avery good job, or the country's done a good job, of making sure thatrelations with neighbors, north and south, are peaceful, that he ismoving troops and making decisions to prevent terrorists from cominginto his country from Colombia. And we will help him in thiseffort. That's part of the reason why I'm here -- is tosupport our mutual desire to fight terror and to help this gooddemocracy thrive. Later on today we'll be talking with Presidents from -- and oneVice President, from the Andean nations. And we'll bediscussing our common desire to prevent terrorist groups like the FARCfrom holding people and nations hostage. And I'm absolutelyconvinced, having talked to the President three times, that he will doeverything in his power to rout out terror, not let it take hold, andpreserve the institutions that make Peru a beacon for democracy. Q -- (inaudible.) PRESIDENT TOLEDO: No, the evidence that we have is -- Irepeat, the evidence that we have indicates that there is no transferof the FARC into Peru. However, we are adopting everymeasure possible. The Minister of Defense was at the bordervery recently. We took our bases that were along the borderwith Ecuador -- where, after signing the peace agreement, there is noneed for their presence -- we removed them as a precautionary measureover to the border with Colombia. As President Bush just indicated, this is a jointtask. What happens to Colombia affects us, and viceversa. But here, too, we're partners. And I think that theissues that have to do with the Andean community are issues on whichPresident Bush is extremely interested and I'm sure that we will beworking together on these. We are going to work together onthis; I'm sure of that. Q President Bush, you granted an audiencerecently to my daily, El Comercio, at the White House, and you said inthat interview that Peru, for the United States, is not only a friend,but an ally. I'd like to ask you, beyond trade preferencesand the commitment to struggle against drug trafficking, what will bethe major elements in your administration that would highlight thisdifferent relationship you want to have with Peru? For example, wouldyou open up an antechamber, so to speak, for Peru to come into a freetrade agreement negotiation with the United States? And let me ask President Toledo, with regard to the issue of sharedresponsibility in the fight against drug trafficking, would you take onthe commitment before President Bush to establish a control office thatwould monitor whatever the United States does not comply with? PRESIDENT BUSH: I listed quite a few things in myopening remarks about our relationship. I believe stronglythat if we promote trade, and when we promote trade, it will helpworkers on both sides of this issue -- it will help Peruvian workers,help U.S. workers. The Andean Trade Preference Act is a cornerstone of good policy, asfar as I'm concerned, and it's a cornerstone of goodrelations. We talked about a treaty on investment; thatcould be the beginning of a trade treaty. The Presidentbrought it up. He asked whether or not we would considerit. I said we'll take it back and discuss the issue when Iget back to Washington, D.C. There's nothing more important than fostering good economicrelations. I mean, the best way for people to get lifted out ofpoverty is a job. And the best way to encourage jobs isthrough trade. I mean, what we're beginning to realize in the world is developmentaid is important, but development aid pales in comparison to the amountof capital that's generated through trade in the marketplace, in theprivate sector. And countries that open markets andcountries that trade freely are countries where the people are morelikely to be able to succeed. And I would not discount theimportance of our relationship when it comes to fighting terror. The world has called us to action. This is a newera. We're fighting a new kind of war. And we'restrong allies in that war. And when we win, our peoples willbe better off. You can't alleviate poverty if there's terrorin your neighborhood. It's impossible to achieve what wewant if terrorists run free. And so I think one of the best things we can do to lay thefoundation for a better tomorrow is to be tough and firm and not yieldto threat. And that's exactly the way the President feels,and I can assure you that's the way I feel. PRESIDENT TOLEDO: I think that in the war against drugtrafficking and terrorism, we are partners, not simply throughconviction, my good friend, but because we, ourselves, have experiencedit. We have experienced the effects of terrorism here for 20years. The United States, on September 11th. AndI have here my friend, Colin Powell, with whom we have a very solidhuman relationship because, in this very palace, we were witnesses tothe news of September 11th, while we were having breakfast. On this issue we are partners. I amstubborn. I am stubborn and I believe it is not incompatibleto respect the law and to be strong-handed with regard to the issue ofterrorism and drug trafficking. I do know there's been a decision from the U.S. government toincrease support for the struggle against drug trafficking, and Iappreciate that enormously. We still have a long road aheadto walk together in this struggle, but we will do it. And, Mr. Journalist, I want to underscore something that wasreferred to by President Bush. Trade preferences is an issueon which President Bush has demonstrated -- and I am a witness -- hiswill for congressional approval in the United States. Theseparation of powers makes it impossible for Presidents to controlcongresses -- just like I don't control mine. But that's theway democracy works. Nonetheless, we have gone beyond Andean TradePreferences. I have asked of President Bush that he consideran initiative for trade, for bilateral trade and investment within theframework of the Andean community. And we are going to betalking to our colleagues in just a few minutes. I think it's important because trade is a synonym forwork. And work is a way to deal withpoverty. Through work, education and health, we caneradicate poverty. We are partners on the issue of trade, onthe issue of drug trafficking and terrorism, in the defense ofdemocracy and of human rights, my friend -- human rights. Q Mr. President, the Peruvians haveexpressed an urgent desire for the resumption of U.S. drug interdictionflights in Peruvian airspace. You told us yesterday inMonterrey that the issue was under rigorous review. My question toyou, sir, is it your ultimate goal to see a resumption of thoseflights? And what preconditions would you put on thoseflights before authorizing resumption? And for President Toledo, if I could, sir, if you are to expect amaximum effort at a partnership with the United States to eradicatedrug trafficking, why won't you make the same commitment to cocaeradication as your neighbors, Bolivia, have? You've talkeda lot about the problem being drug trafficking, but you have not madethe same commitment on coca production, sir. PRESIDENT BUSH: John, we are reviewing all avenuestoward an effective policy of interdiction. As you know, wehad a terrible situation where a young mom and her daughter lost theirlife; that caused us to step back to take a look at our policy at home,and then to work with the Peruvian government to figure out how best tobe effective at interdicting drugs. And so the discussions are ongoing. And we want to makesure that when we work with countries like Peru, that we achieve thecommon objective, which is to make it hard for those narco-traffickersto move through their airspace, across their land, or in oceans. I want to say something about -- there's a lot of talk aboutinterdiction, and there should be. And there's a lot of talkabout battling the narco-traffickers here in the Andean area, and wewill. But our country has an obligation, as well, not onlyto provide support and help. The President mentioned that wehave expanded the direct aid to Peru on this issue, which wehave. We've tripled it, up to about $200 million -- about$195 million, I think it is. But the best thing that Americaneeds to do is reduce demand for drugs. We've got to do abetter job of convincing our own country to quit usingthem. As demand for drugs goes down, it will take thepressure off of our friends in Peru. So we've got a double obligation, it seems like to me -- on the onehand, to provide help and aid that's effective and willwork. And that's exactly what we spent a long time talkingabout, in all three of our meetings. But I want to remindour Peruvian friends that we've got to do a better job at home ofconvincing Americans to stop using drugs. And part of ourdrug initiative will be to focus on the demand side. Lessdemand for drugs will mean that the supply for drugs will be lessurgent. And that will in turn help the region. PRESIDENT TOLEDO: Look, my friend, let me deal with yourquestion head on. In 1990, the number of hectares with cocacultivation was approximately 140,000 total. Today, we aredown to 34,000 hectares where we have cocacultivation. Enormous progress has been made. I know it's not enough. We have a long path ahead of usyet. And we have to do this together. I know thatthe drug traffickers have become more sophisticated over time -- theyhave more high-tech capabilities. And now we, too, have topush forward in that direction. I want to be very open, and I apologize to my friend, PresidentBush, now. We are not fighting against drug trafficking inorder to satisfy the United States or Europe. Drugtrafficking, in partnership with terrorism, is an issue of nationalsecurity. It's an issue of national security. OnWednesday, they killed nine people -- nine of our brothers and sisters-- and there are 30 people wounded. I have publicly stated-- and I want to repeat this -- we are not going to let this stand. So let me respond to you. We have met a substantialreduction. We still have 34,000 hectares togo. But we are going to do this together. Final point. I think President Bush is extremely sincere-- he's extremely sincere and honest when he recognizes that as long asthere is a demand out there, there will be a supply. As longas there are consumers, there will be producers. And so,together, we need to work on reducing the number of consumers, curethem better, make them better. And we need to reduce theamount of hectares under cultivation. And, footnote here, it's also true that the statistics indicatethat although levels are still low, there is an increase in theconsumption of cocaine among youth in Peru. And that is alsopart of our concern with regard to national security. Q President Bush, you are in a region nowthat's been devastated by terrorism and subversion and drug traffickingfor over three decades. You're offering us the PeaceCorps. I would ask you if you're willing, as President ofthe most powerful nation on Earth, to lead a Marshall Plan for SouthAmerica? PRESIDENT BUSH: I appreciate that. I think Isaid more than just the Peace Corps, if I'm not mistaken, in my openingcomments. Obviously, our nation is committed to this part ofthe world. I've come to Peru as the first sitting Presidentto express our solidarity with Peru and the people, as well as expressmy appreciation for a reformer who got elected who's willing to defendthe institutions that make democracy go. I'll repeat if you'd like me to, go through the litany of things Ijust said -- the Andean Trade Preference Act, the bilateral action oninvestment, money for education, money to fight drugs. We'vetripled the amount of money -- I believe it's from $50 million up to$195 million available. And so I think our commitment is --I think our commitment speaks for itself. And I appreciateso very much the chance to come and explain it to the Peruvian peoplethat ours is more than just words -- ours is deeds and action. Q Good afternoon, PresidentBush. Buenos tardes, Senor Presidente. President Bush, manylawmakers in Congress are growing increasingly concerned about yourpolicy in the Middle East, wondering if the very talk of potentialhigh-level negotiations involving Vice President Cheney, specifically,with the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, might not, in fact, send asignal that terrorism against Israeli civilians can achieve somelimited political aims. I'd to ask you, sir, why you'recontemplating that, and why those who wonder if that is not the caseare incorrect? PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, first of all, I think there's beenno question that the United States has stood strong withIsrael. And we've made it very clear to Mr. Arafat that heis not -- he's not doing all he can do to fight offterror. I can't be any more clear than that. VicePresident Cheney said, depending upon on the Zinni mission and GeneralZinni's recommendation, he might go back, if and when Arafat performs. Surely those in the Congress you talk about appreciate the factthat the administration is engaged, and sent General Zinni into theregion. We laid out the Tenet plan, which is the way tobring some security to the region -- which would then lead to theMitchell plan. And we're doing everything in our power toget the parties into Tenet. And we'll continue working hardto get them to Tenet. Q Even if the violence continues -- PRESIDENT BUSH: If and when -- if and when Mr. Arafat --if and when -- Q -- (inaudible) -- PRESIDENT BUSH: Excuse me. If and whenChairman Arafat performs. That's what we have said. GeneralZinni went to the Middle East; he's leading discussions. Butpeople shouldn't mistake our desire to get into Tenet as anything morethan a desire to get to peace. And we'll continue working todo so. And Prime Minister Sharon knows where the United Statesstands. We're strong allies with Israel. We havebeen ever since I've been the President, and we'll continue to bestrong allies with Israel. Q Good afternoon to bothPresidents. President Bush, just a few days ago I was ableto ask you in Washington about leadership in the fight againstpoverty. And on this, aside from the issue of being 55 andthe fact that you're wearing the same color ties, you are in agreementwith President Alejandro Toledo, who also insists on fighting againstpoverty. But the fight against poverty presupposes -- and this hasbeen stated by Dr. Toledo -- thinking of reducing arms in LatinAmerica, because for every tank or F-16, we could buy a lot moreschools. Mr. President, I'd like to know your views on this,and the views of President Toledo with regard to thisissue. The possibility of arms control in the South Americanpart of the hemisphere. And the same question for PresidentToledo. PRESIDENT BUSH: We may be the same age, but el tienepelo negro. (Laughter.) Yo tengo pelogris. (Laughter.) I appreciate President Toledo's work to have a security arrangementin place in the neighborhood amongst the countries bordering Peru thatwill then allow him to reinvest in education. We talkedabout that. And I think that is a strong commitment and awise commitment. As far as my country's commitment goes, I gave a speech inMonterrey, Mexico, two days ago where I committed our country to a50-percent increase in development aid. But I said it's timefor the world to stop looking at inputs and to focus on outputs, andthat the United States, developed nations, must do morefinancially. And we're leading the way. But we expect other nations to develop the habits that will lead toa better opportunity for their people: rule of law, a focuson education, and good health care. President Toledounderstands that, he's been a leader in that effort. And Ithink what I said in Monterrey was very important, that unless we allfocus on how programs benefit people directly, not matter what theefforts or strategy is, it's likely to lead to failure. Butprograms and policies that understand the worth of each human being,that each individual matters, are those programs which will besuccessful. And so our country will try to fosterthat. And this President has made that commitment, for whichI am grateful. PRESIDENT TOLEDO: Aside from the fact that PresidentBush has very good taste with regard to color in ties -- (laughter) --he's also taller than I am. (Laughter.) On this issue, Raul, of military expenditure, we discussed it withhim. And here I want to strike a difference between militaryexpenses for armed conflicts between countries, and militaryexpenditures for defense against terrorism and drug trafficking,because these are two separate issues. I think that there is a major challenge in the world in order tosurvive in this globalized and savagely competitive world we livein. We need to invest more in the minds of ourpeople. Basically, what this means is investing more innutrition, health, education, and justice for the poor. We won't be able to deal with the challenges of this globalizedworld unless we invest in the knowledge of oursocieties. The question immediately arises, and obviouslyso, in an economy that is growing that is overcoming recession, whereyou get the money to invest in nutrition, health andeducation? Well, we've made an appeal to countries at thebilateral level. And there the United States has played avery generous role at the donors table in Madrid. And I wantto publicly express my appreciation, Mr. President. There has been debt conversion, external bilateral debt swap, forsocial investment. And there we