Meta has officially terminated several major diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the company, signaling a significant change in its corporate practices. This move is in response to shifting legal landscapes and growing influence from the incoming Trump administration. The decision is effective immediately and marks a clear shift in the company’s focus on diversity-related initiatives.
Why Meta is making these decisions
Meta’s decision to scale back its DEI efforts comes after recent US Supreme Court rulings that indicate a change in how courts will view diversity-related policies. The company explained in its internal memo that these changes were necessary due to the evolving legal environment, which has created a more challenging landscape for DEI efforts. Meta also stated that it wants to ensure its practices avoid any perception of discrimination based on race or gender.
What is DEI and why it matters
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are designed to create a more inclusive workplace by focusing on increasing representation and support for underrepresented groups, including women and ethnic minorities. These programs often include practices such as hiring from diverse candidate pools, setting representation goals, and offering training to reduce bias. However, DEI has become controversial, especially in the US, where the new legal environment and political shifts are leading some companies to reconsider their approach to such initiatives.
Key details from Meta’s internal memo
In the memo sent to employees, Meta highlighted the changes it would be making in its hiring, development, and procurement practices. Key points include:
- Hiring Changes: Meta will stop using its “Diverse Slate Approach” to hiring, which aimed to ensure a diverse group of candidates was considered for every position. Instead, Meta will focus on sourcing candidates from various backgrounds without prioritizing specific diversity goals.
- End of Representation Goals: The company will no longer set targets for gender or ethnic representation, removing any perception that hiring decisions were being made based on race or gender.
- Supplier Diversity Program Ending: Meta will also phase out its supplier diversity program and will focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses, with opportunities still available for qualified diverse suppliers.
- Transitioning DEI Efforts: Meta’s DEI team will be disbanded, with Maxine Williams taking on a new role focused on accessibility and employee engagement.
Meta is not alone in its decision to roll back DEI programs. Major corporations like McDonald’s and Walmart have also recently announced they will scale back or adjust certain DEI policies. As the legal and political environment around diversity efforts continues to shift, these companies are reconsidering their diversity strategies.
