Google has abandoned its hiring targets aimed at increasing representation of underrepresented groups, following recent changes in US laws and executive orders. The company’s shift comes amid growing criticism from lawmakers, including President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in 2021 terminating DEI “mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities” in the federal government.
The move marks a reversal for Google, which had set a goal to increase leadership representation of Black, Latino, and Native American employees by 30% by 2022. The company reached this target last year and will no longer pursue aspirational hiring goals, instead opting to evaluate its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Google’s chief people officer, Fiona Cicconi, told Business Insider that the company would continue to invest in states across the US and globally but would focus on implementing changes “as needed” rather than setting specific targets. The company will also maintain some of its existing initiatives, including employee resource groups and partnerships with colleges and universities.
Other major US companies, such as Meta, Target, Walmart, Ford, John Deere, Tractor Supply Co., and Lowe’s, have also reduced their DEI-related policies and programs in response to Trump’s orders. The shift towards a more voluntary approach to diversity and inclusion efforts has been criticized by some advocates who argue that it undermines the progress made in promoting greater representation and equity in the workplace.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/google-ends-diversity-hiring-goals-reviews-dei-programs-2025-2