Meta has announced that it is ending several major diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the company, effective immediately. The move comes as a surprise to employees and raises concerns about the company’s commitment to social justice.
According to a memo sent by Mark Zuckerberg, Meta is making changes to its hiring practices, development programs, and procurement methods due to shifting legal and policy landscapes surrounding DEI in the US. The Supreme Court has recently made decisions that suggest a shift towards how courts approach DEI issues, emphasizing the importance of not tolerating or promoting discrimination based on inherent characteristics.
However, the memo also acknowledges that some people view DEI initiatives as promoting preferential treatment of certain groups over others. In response, Meta is ending several initiatives aimed at addressing this issue, including:
* Ending the “Diverse Slate Approach” in hiring, which has been subject to public debate and criticism.
* Sunsetting its supplier diversity efforts and shifting focus towards supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
* Eliminating equity and inclusion training programs, replacing them with new initiatives focused on applying fair and consistent practices that mitigate bias for all.
Despite these changes, Meta remains committed to its core principles of serving everyone, building diverse teams, and driving consistency in employment practices. The company will continue to source candidates from various backgrounds, evaluate individuals based on their merits, and prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in its products.
The move has sparked concerns among some employees and critics that Meta is bowing to pressure from the incoming Trump administration, which has been critical of DEI initiatives. As one insider noted, “This is a strong signal that the company’s push for DEI isn’t just about posturing, but an ethos shift that will impact its business practices.”
Meta’s decision to end these initiatives raises important questions about the role of diversity and inclusion in corporate America and the tension between social justice goals and commercial considerations.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/10/meta-dei-memo-employees-programs