Meta Nixes Diversity & Inclusion Program Ahead of Trump’s Return/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Meta Platforms Inc., parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, including its hiring and vendor selection initiatives. The decision aligns with a broader corporate trend, as companies like Walmart and John Deere scale back DEI efforts. Meta cites legal and cultural shifts, aiming to focus on unbiased practices for all employees.
Meta Ends DEI Program: Quick Looks
- Major Changes: Meta disbands its DEI team, citing changing legal perspectives and criticism of diversity initiatives.
- Corporate Trend: Companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Amazon have also scaled back similar programs.
- Hiring Practices: Meta ends its “diverse slate approach,” which ensured diverse candidate pools for job openings.
- Focus Shift: Meta will now prioritize “fair and consistent practices” to reduce bias without DEI-specific frameworks.
- Cultural Impact: The changes reflect a broader reevaluation of diversity initiatives amid evolving societal and legal contexts.
Meta Nixes Diversity & Inclusion Program Ahead of Trump’s Return
Deep Look
Meta Disbands DEI Program
Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced it is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program. This decision eliminates its team dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in hiring, training, and vendor selection. The move comes as Meta adapts to what it described as shifting legal perspectives and cultural debates surrounding DEI.
An internal memo obtained by Axios cited recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that signal changes in how courts approach DEI policies. The memo also acknowledged that DEI has become politically charged, with critics perceiving such programs as preferential treatment.
Corporate Shift in DEI Policies
Meta’s decision mirrors a growing trend among corporations scaling back DEI efforts. Companies like Walmart, John Deere, McDonald’s, and Ford have either ended or reduced their diversity initiatives. Amazon also announced plans to wind down certain DEI programs, focusing instead on “proven outcomes” and fostering a broader inclusive culture.
Candi Castleberry, an Amazon human resources executive, emphasized the company’s new approach in a December memo, stating that outdated programs would be phased out by the end of 2024.
Impact on Hiring Practices
As part of the changes, Meta is ending its “diverse slate approach” to hiring, which required that a diverse pool of candidates be considered for every open position. The company stated it will instead focus on unbiased, consistent practices that “mitigate bias for all, no matter your background.”
Meta’s changes also include scaling back its third-party fact-checking program and adjusting policies on hate speech and abuse, reflecting a broader shift as the company prepares for regulatory and cultural dynamics under the incoming Trump administration.
A Changing Legal and Cultural Landscape
The reevaluation of DEI programs at Meta and other corporations reflects a broader shift in how businesses approach diversity initiatives. Legal and societal debates have reshaped corporate strategies, with many companies opting for streamlined programs that align with evolving norms and legal rulings.
While some argue these moves could dilute progress on workplace equity, others contend they represent a focus on more universal practices to ensure fairness.
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