In a significant shift, tech giants Meta and Amazon have announced the scaling back of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, citing a changing legal and political landscape. This move comes ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency on January 20, 2025, and reflects a broader trend among major corporations to distance themselves from DEI initiatives amid growing conservative criticism.
Meta’s Policy Overhaul
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has decided to end its DEI programs, including those focused on hiring, training, and supplier diversity. In an internal memo, Janelle Gale, Meta’s Vice President of Human Resources, stated that the “legal and policy landscape surrounding DEI efforts in the United States is changing.” She pointed to recent Supreme Court decisions that signal a shift in how courts approach DEI initiatives, including the 2023 ruling that struck down affirmative action in university admissions.
Meta’s decision also aligns with its broader efforts to mend relations with Trump, who has long criticized the company’s content moderation policies. In recent weeks, Meta has made several high-profile changes, including ending its U.S. fact-checking program, promoting Republican Joel Kaplan to Chief Global Affairs Officer, and adding UFC CEO Dana White, a Trump ally, to its board. Additionally, Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, marking a departure from its previous practices.
Amazon’s DEI Rollback
Amazon has similarly announced plans to phase out its representation and inclusion programs by the end of 2024. In a December memo, the company stated it was “winding down outdated programs and materials” related to DEI, aiming to focus on initiatives with proven outcomes. Amazon emphasized its commitment to fostering an inclusive culture but acknowledged the need to adapt to the evolving legal environment.
Like Meta, Amazon has faced pressure from conservative groups and legal challenges to its DEI policies. The company has reportedly removed sections of its website detailing its commitments to equity for Black people and LGBTQ+ rights, signaling a shift in its public stance on diversity issues.
Broader Corporate Trend
Meta and Amazon are not alone in scaling back DEI efforts. Companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson have also rolled back their diversity initiatives in recent months. This trend has been fueled by conservative backlash against “woke” policies, as well as legal challenges to corporate diversity programs. For instance, a 2023 Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and a subsequent appeals court decision barring Nasdaq from enforcing diversity requirements for corporate boards have emboldened critics of DEI initiatives.
Conservative activists, including Robby Starbuck, have led public pressure campaigns against companies with DEI commitments, often threatening boycotts and legal action. These efforts have contributed to the growing reluctance among corporations to maintain or expand their diversity programs.
Implications and Reactions
The scaling back of DEI programs has sparked mixed reactions. Conservative groups have celebrated the move, viewing it as a victory against what they perceive as preferential treatment and progressive activism. However, advocacy organizations like the Human Rights Campaign have criticized the rollback, arguing that DEI initiatives are essential for fostering workplace inclusion and long-term business growth.
For Meta and Amazon, the decision reflects a strategic realignment to navigate the changing political and legal landscape. By distancing themselves from DEI programs, these companies may be seeking to avoid legal risks and curry favor with the incoming Trump administration.
Conclusion
The scaling back of DEI programs by Meta and Amazon underscores the growing influence of conservative critics and the impact of recent legal rulings on corporate diversity efforts. As Trump prepares to return to the White House, this trend may accelerate, reshaping the corporate approach to diversity and inclusion in the years to come.
