Getty ImagesMeta and Amazon are scrapping their diversity programs, joining firms across the U.S. that have scaled back hiring and training initiatives criticized by conservatives, citing legal and political risks. are taking
The move comes days after Meta platforms, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, said it was ending a fact-checking program criticized by President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans.
In a memo to staff about his decision, which affects hiring, provider and training efforts, Metta cited “legal and policy changes.”
Walmart and McDonald’s are among other companies that have made similar decisions about diversity efforts since Trump won re-election.
In his memo to staff, which was First reported by Axios. And confirmed by the BBC, Meta cited the Supreme Court ruling on race in college admissions, while also noting that the term “DEI” (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) has become “charged.” .
The tech giant said it will continue to seek a diverse workforce, but will end its current approach, which seeks to select from a pool of diverse candidates.
In a December memo to employees, Amazon said it was “eliminating legacy programs and content” related to representation and inclusion, with the goal of completing the process by the end of 2024.
“Instead of building programs for individual groups, we’re focusing on programs with proven results — and our goal is to foster a truly inclusive culture,” said Candy Castleberry, Amazon’s VP of Inclusive Experiences and Technology. wrote in the note which was first reported. by the Bloomberg on Friday.
Financial firms JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock also withdrew this week from groups focusing on climate change risks.
The moves mark an acceleration in the retreat that began two years ago. Republicans have stepped up their attacks on firms like BlackRock and Disney.accusing them of “waking up” progressive activism and threatening political punishment.
Big brands like Bud Light and Target have also faced backlash and boycotts over their efforts to appeal to LGBTQ consumers.
Following the Black Lives Matter protests that began in 2020 following the police killing of George Floyd, many diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives were implemented.
Recent court rulings have bolstered critics of the programs, who said they were discriminatory.
Supreme Court in 2023 Eliminated the right for private universities to consider race. In admissions decisions.
Another court of appeals decision struck down Nasdaq’s policy that would have required companies listed on the stock exchange to include or specify at least one woman, ethnic minority or LGBTQ person on their boards. Why not done?
Metta said it is also ending its efforts to work with suppliers that are “diversified” but will instead focus on small and medium-sized companies.
It also plans to stop offering “equity and inclusion” training and instead offer programs that “reduce bias for everyone, regardless of background.”
Meta declined to comment on the memo, the news of which was immediately met with both criticism and celebration.
“I’m sitting back and enjoying every second of it,” said conservative activist Robbie Starbuck, who has been credited with successfully campaigning against the policies of companies such as Ford, John Deere and Harley-Davidson.
The LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign said workplace inclusion policies help attract and retain top staff and are “directly linked to business growth”.
“Those who renege on these commitments are abdicating their responsibility to their employees, customers and shareholders,” said Rashon “Shawny” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program.
Meta’s move comes just days after the tech giant said it was ending a fact-checking program criticized by Trump and Republicans and conservatives that led to key leadership positions. is
In a nearly three-hour interview with podcaster Joe Rogen, MetaBoss, Mark Zuckerberg said he has always been concerned about being the arbiter of “truth” and that when the issue first heated up after the 2016 election, he ” were unprepared”.
He said the demands to remove the information became unreasonable under the Biden administration. For example, he said the company faced pressure during the pandemic to remove content such as statements about vaccine side effects.
It helped create a broader political response, he said, including his own.
“I think I have a lot more command now of what I think the policies should be,” he said, adding that he felt the U.S. government “should be able to control its companies.” should be defended… should not become the tip of the spear attack”.
“When the US does this to its tech industry, it’s basically open season on the rest of the world,” he added.