Home World Business Meta and Amazon Cut Diversity Programs Amid US Corporate Shift

Meta and Amazon Cut Diversity Programs Amid US Corporate Shift

Meta Amazon diversity programs rollback
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Meta and Amazon have announced the termination of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, joining a growing list of companies rolling back similar efforts across corporate America. This move, driven by legal and political pressures, reflects a significant shift in how major firms approach hiring and training programs.

Meta’s Retreat on Diversity Initiatives

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, recently informed employees of its decision to scale back diversity-focused hiring, supplier engagement, and training programs.The company cited changing laws and policies, pointing to the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against race-based college admissions and debates over DEI.

In a memo to staff, Meta announced it would end programs that prioritize diverse candidate pools while pledging to continue seeking a diverse workforce through alternative approaches. The company will also stop equity and inclusion training and focus on initiatives to address biases universally, regardless of background.

Additionally, Meta plans to discontinue collaborations with “diverse” suppliers, opting instead to work with small and medium-sized businesses. The tech giant declined to comment publicly on the internal memo but faced immediate reactions from both critics and supporters.

Amazon’s Shift Toward Proven Outcomes

Amazon has also begun phasing out its DEI programs, with plans to complete the transition by late 2024. In a December memo, Candi Castleberry, Amazon’s Vice President of Inclusive Experiences and Technology, announced the company’s decision to consolidate efforts into initiatives with “proven outcomes.”

“Rather than having individual groups build programs, we are focusing on fostering a truly inclusive culture,” Castleberry stated.

Broader Corporate Rollbacks

Meta and Amazon’s decisions come amid a broader corporate retreat from progressive policies. Companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and financial firms JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock have similarly scaled back diversity efforts in recent months.

The rollback aligns with escalating conservative criticism, accusing corporations of engaging in “woke” activism. Brands like Bud Light, Target, and Disney have faced boycotts and backlash for their inclusive marketing strategies.

Legal and Political Challenges

Recent court decisions have amplified opposition to diversity initiatives. In addition to the Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious college admissions, a court of appeals invalidated a Nasdaq policy requiring companies to include women, racial minorities, or LGBTQ members on their boards.

These rulings embolden critics who argue that diversity programs discriminate against certain groups. Conservative activists, such as Robby Starbuck, have celebrated the rollback of such policies, taking credit for influencing corporate decisions at major brands.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups

The LGBTQ advocacy organization Human Rights Campaign (HRC) condemned the rollback of diversity programs, stating that workplace inclusion is essential for attracting top talent and driving long-term business growth.

“Abandoning these commitments is a disservice to employees, consumers, and shareholders,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program Director.

Meta’s Additional Shifts

Meta’s decision to cut diversity programs comes shortly after the company ended a fact-checking initiative criticized by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump. In a podcast interview, CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed concerns about being the “arbiter of truth,” highlighting challenges faced during the pandemic and growing political backlash against the company’s content moderation policies.

Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of U.S. government support for tech companies, warning that domestic attacks on the industry could weaken its global standing.

Conclusion

The rollback of diversity initiatives by Meta, Amazon, and other corporations underscores a shifting corporate and political landscape in the U.S. While companies cite legal and political risks, advocacy groups argue that these decisions undermine workplace inclusion and long-term success. As debates over DEI policies continue, the future of corporate diversity efforts remains uncertain.

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