Meta and Amazon have announced significant changes to their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, aligning with a broader trend of similar rollbacks across corporate America. These decisions come amid mounting legal and political pressures, including heightened conservative criticism and recent Supreme Court rulings.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, revealed plans to overhaul its diversity initiatives, including hiring, supplier partnerships, and employee training. In a memo to staff, the company cited a “shifting legal and policy landscape,” referencing a 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended race-conscious college admissions. Meta also acknowledged the increasingly polarising nature of the term DEI.
The tech giant stated it would continue to seek diverse candidates but is discontinuing its approach of selecting hires from specific candidate pools. Similarly, Meta plans to focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises over “diverse” suppliers. The company also announced the replacement of “equity and inclusion” training with programmes designed to “mitigate bias for all.”
Amazon has followed a comparable trajectory, declaring in December its intention to phase out “outdated programmes and materials” related to representation and inclusion by the end of 2024. Amazon’s vice president for inclusive experiences, Candi Castleberry, described the company’s pivot towards programmes with “proven outcomes” and fostering “a more truly inclusive culture.”
These moves mark a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when conservative criticism of corporate DEI initiatives intensified. High-profile companies such as Walmart and McDonald’s have also adjusted their diversity strategies, reflecting a shift in priorities under the re-elected Trump administration.
Legal and Political Backdrop
The Supreme Court’s rulings have played a pivotal role in shaping this corporate retreat. The 2023 decision to end race-based admissions policies at private universities provided legal ammunition for critics of DEI programmes. Additionally, a court of appeals ruling overturned Nasdaq’s policy requiring listed companies to include women, racial minorities, or LGBTQ individuals on their boards or justify their absence.
The political climate has also heightened scrutiny of corporate diversity efforts. Republicans have accused firms like BlackRock and Disney of promoting “woke” activism, threatening political consequences. Companies such as Bud Light and Target have faced backlash and boycotts over campaigns catering to LGBTQ audiences.
Meta’s rollback comes shortly after the company ended a fact-checking programme that had drawn criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and other conservatives. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed concerns about the company’s role as an arbiter of truth, highlighting the political and operational challenges of content moderation.
Diverging Perspectives
The decisions by Meta and Amazon have drawn mixed reactions. Conservative activists, such as Robby Starbuck, have celebrated the changes as victories in their campaign against progressive corporate policies.
Conversely, LGBTQ advocacy groups and workplace inclusion experts have criticised the moves. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, warned that scaling back DEI commitments could harm employee retention and long-term business growth. “Those who abandon these commitments are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders,” Hawkins stated.
Broader Implications
Many of the DEI initiatives under scrutiny were introduced following the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, which called for greater corporate accountability on racial and social issues. The ongoing rollback signals a significant departure from the commitments made during that period, driven by evolving legal frameworks and political pressures.
Meta and Amazon’s decisions to shift focus away from traditional DEI initiatives highlight a growing trend among major corporations. As legal challenges mount and political risks increase, firms are reassessing their strategies to navigate a complex landscape while attempting to maintain inclusivity.
