Meta has announced the termination of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, citing a changing legal and policy landscape in the United States. The company is disbanding its DEI team and ending several initiatives, including:
- The “Diverse Slate Approach” for hiring
- Diversity supplier initiatives
- Equity and inclusion training programs
Meta’s VP of Human Resources, Janelle Gale, stated that the term “DEI” has become “charged” and is sometimes perceived as suggesting preferential treatment for certain groups. This move aligns with recent policy changes at Meta, including:
- Ending third-party fact-checking on its platforms
- Appointing Joel Kaplan, a Republican, as head of global affairs
- Revising its Hateful Conduct Policy to allow certain claims about mental illness related to gender or sexual orientation
The decision has sparked criticism from some Meta employees, with many expressing disappointment and concern on internal forums. This shift comes as Meta appears to be aligning itself with the incoming Trump administration, following similar moves by other major companies like Walmart and McDonald’s. The change reflects a broader trend of tech companies reevaluating their DEI initiatives in light of recent Supreme Court decisions and changing political climates). Meta claims it will continue to focus on building diverse teams and mitigating bias, but through different approaches