Meta Eliminates DEI Programs Amid Changing U.S. Landscape

Major Changes to DEI Initiatives

According to a report by Axios, Meta has decided to eliminate its largest diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs with immediate effect. The initiatives that are being rolled back included those aimed at hiring a diverse workforce, conducting diversity training, and sourcing from companies owned by diverse individuals. Furthermore, Meta plans to dismantle its entire DEI department.

Rationale Behind the Decision

The move comes following a memo leaked to the media, wherein Meta explained that the "legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing." This has been cited as a primary reason for the company's decision to withdraw from these DEI activities.

Trends Among Major Corporations

Meta is not an isolated case, as other major corporations like Microsoft and Zoom have similarly scaled back their DEI efforts. Additionally, there have been lawsuits challenging programs that were specifically designed to support Black and Latino communities.

Additional Strategic Shifts

This week, Meta also announced plans to reduce its fact-checking activities across its platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The decision has reportedly led to a significant increase in Google searches related to account deletions from these platforms, following Mark Zuckerberg's announcement.