• Meta and Amazon are rolling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, citing legal and social shifts, including the 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action.
• Meta is eliminating its DEI team and hiring practices like the “diverse slate approach,” while Amazon plans to wind down outdated initiatives by 2024.
• These moves align with a broader trend of corporations scaling back DEI efforts amid rising conservative pressure and evolving legal standards.

In a significant move signaling changing corporate priorities, Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, and Amazon have announced the rollback of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These decisions come as many U.S. businesses face increasing conservative opposition to such programs and amid a shifting legal landscape shaped by recent Supreme Court rulings.

Meta Ends DEI Programs and Restructures Hiring Practices

On Friday, Meta informed employees via an internal memo that it will phase out its DEI programs. The tech giant will no longer maintain a dedicated DEI team, nor will it continue its “diverse slate approach” to hiring, which required diverse candidates to be considered for each position. Instead, the company plans to adopt what it calls “fair and consistent practices” to reduce bias across the board, regardless of an individual’s background.

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This decision follows other notable actions by Meta, such as dismantling its U.S. fact-checking program and appointing prominent Republican Joel Kaplan as chief global affairs officer. Additionally, Dana White, the CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, recently joined Meta’s board. These moves have been warmly received by conservative groups as part of a broader shift in corporate practices.

Meta’s vice president of human resources, Janelle Gale, acknowledged the changing legal and social environment in her memo. She pointed to the 2023 Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action in university admissions as a key factor influencing the company’s decision. According to Gale, the term “DEI” has become highly charged, with some interpreting it as implying preferential treatment for certain groups.

Amazon Follows Suit, Streamlines Representation Initiatives

Similarly, Amazon announced in a December memo that it is “winding down outdated programs and materials” related to diversity and inclusion. These efforts are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The company stated that this restructuring is part of an effort to modernize its approach to representation and align with evolving legal standards.

Amazon’s move aligns with a growing trend among major corporations to scale back DEI initiatives. McDonald’s, Ford, Walmart, and John Deere are just a few of the companies that have recently reduced or eliminated similar programs.

Rising Conservative Pressure and Legal Backdrop

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Conservative groups and political leaders have intensified their criticism of DEI initiatives, often labeling them as divisive or unnecessary. Some have even threatened legal action against companies that continue these programs. The Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action has further emboldened these critics, as it signals a broader shift in how courts may handle diversity-related policies moving forward.

For example, earlier this week, figures like Elon Musk and other Trump allies accused DEI practices of hindering responses to natural disasters, such as the wildfires in Los Angeles. Although these claims lack evidence, they reflect the broader sentiment among conservatives that such programs can create inefficiencies.

Implications for Corporate America

As more companies reconsider their DEI strategies, the future of workplace diversity initiatives remains uncertain. While critics argue these programs promote unfair advantages, supporters view them as essential for fostering inclusion and equity.

What do you think about these changes? Are companies making the right decision, or are they abandoning important values? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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