Tech giants Meta and Amazon are scaling back diversity programs amid growing conservative pressure and legal uncertainties.
At a Glance
- Meta and Amazon are reducing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs
- Meta has terminated its DEI programs, affecting hiring, training, and supplier diversity
- Amazon plans to phase out representation and inclusion programs by the end of 2024
- Changes come in response to Supreme Court rulings and increased political scrutiny
- Other major corporations are also reassessing their DEI strategies
Tech Giants Retreat from DEI Commitments
In a significant shift, major tech corporations Meta and Amazon are scaling back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This move comes in response to increasing legal ambiguities and mounting pressure from conservative critics. The changes mark a departure from commitments made following the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and highlight the challenges companies face in maintaining inclusion efforts while navigating a politically charged environment.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has taken decisive steps to restructure its approach to diversity. The company has terminated its DEI programs, which previously influenced hiring practices, training initiatives, and supplier diversity. This overhaul comes in the wake of a 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended race-conscious college admissions, prompting Meta to reconsider its diversity strategies.
Meta’s Organizational Shifts
As part of its restructuring, Meta will eliminate its dedicated DEI team. Maxine Williams, who previously served as Chief Diversity Officer, will transition to a new role focused on accessibility and engagement. The company plans to continue seeking diverse candidates but will cease selecting hires from specific candidate pools.
“The legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing,” Janelle Gale, Meta’s Vice President of Human Resources, said.
Meta is replacing “equity and inclusion” training with programs aimed at mitigating bias for all employees. The company has also removed sections on its website about “Equity for Black people” and LGBTQ+ rights, signaling a broader shift in its public stance on these issues.
Amazon’s Phased Approach
Amazon, another tech giant, is following a similar path. The company plans to phase out its representation and inclusion programs by the end of 2024. In a statement, Amazon announced its intention to “wind down outdated programs and materials” related to DEI initiatives.
These changes at both Meta and Amazon reflect a broader trend across the corporate landscape. Companies are reassessing their investment in equity-focused endeavors due to heightened conservative pressure and potential political fallout.
Political and Legal Influences
The shift away from DEI commitments is not occurring in a vacuum. Recent Supreme Court rulings, including the end of race-based admissions in higher education, have significantly influenced corporate decisions on diversity programs. Additionally, political scrutiny has intensified, with Republicans accusing companies of promoting “woke” activism, leading to backlash and boycotts.
“The Supreme Court of the United States has recently made decisions signaling a shift in how courts will approach DEI. The term ‘DEI’ has also become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others,” Janelle Gale explained.
Meta’s recent actions, including stopping fact-checking on its platforms and adding UFC CEO Dana White to its board, further illustrate the company’s rightward shift. This is particularly notable given Meta’s complicated history with former President Donald Trump, whose accounts were suspended following the January 6 insurrection but later reinstated in 2023.
Broader Corporate Trend
The retreat from DEI initiatives is not limited to the tech sector. Other major corporations such as McDonald’s, Walmart, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson are also reducing their DEI efforts in response to conservative pressure. This widespread recalibration suggests a significant shift in corporate America’s approach to diversity and inclusion.
The changes have sparked mixed reactions. While conservative activists support the move, LGBTQ advocacy groups and inclusion experts criticize the potential negative impact on employee retention and business growth. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, an inclusion expert, warned, “Those who abandon these commitments are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.”
As the corporate landscape continues to evolve, companies like Meta and Amazon find themselves at the forefront of a complex balancing act. They must navigate legal challenges and political risks while attempting to maintain some form of inclusivity in their operations. The coming years will likely see further adjustments as businesses seek to find a sustainable approach to diversity in an increasingly polarized environment.