Facebook owner Meta Platforms and Amazon.com are scaling back their diversity programs ahead of Republican Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency. This comes amid growing conservative opposition to such initiatives.
Meta is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including those for hiring, training, and picking suppliers. This was announced in an internal memo to employees on Friday. The company cited recent Supreme Court decisions "signalling a shift" in how U.S. courts will approach DEI programs going forward.
Amazon.com, in a December memo to employees, said it was "winding down outdated programs and materials" related to representation and inclusion. The company aims to complete the process by the end of 2024.
Conservative groups have denounced the programs and threatened to sue companies over them. They have been emboldened by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that struck down affirmative action in university admissions decisions.
Just this week, Elon Musk and other Trump allies blamed DEI programs for hindering the response to raging wildfires in Los Angeles, without evidence.
Meta will no longer have a dedicated team focused on DEI. One employee comment on Gale's memo called it "upsetting to read.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
Scaling back on diversity initiatives only demonstrates a lack of commitment to social responsibility.
Leonardo
Is this really the direction we want to go? Canceling DEI programs will only worsen inequality.
Donatello
Good move! Focusing on qualifications and experience is the right way to go in the workplace.
Raphael
It’s disappointing to see major corporations bowing to political pressure instead of leading with progressive values.
Michelangelo
By scaling back DEI, Meta and Amazon are ignoring the proven benefits of a diverse workforce.