You are changing the argument. The original use of the phrase "lowering standards" implied that Google would forgo hiring someone of high skill to hire a lower

You are changing the argument. The original use of the phrase "lowering standards" implied that Google would forgo hiring someone of high skill to hire a lower skilled but more diverse candidate. This is not happening. Diverse candidates are given more opportunities to have their skill tested, but they must meet the same requirements as anyone else.