DEI Abandoned – Unexpected Shift Towards Trump

Person touching DEI icons on transparent screen

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced the discontinuation of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, marking a significant shift in the company’s operational strategies.

At a Glance

  • Meta is ending its DEI programs, affecting hiring and training practices
  • The decision aligns with the incoming Trump administration’s views
  • Changes in the legal landscape and recent Supreme Court decisions influenced the move
  • Meta will pursue workforce diversity through alternative means
  • The company is also ending fact-checking programs on its platforms

Meta’s Strategic Shift

In a move that has sent ripples through the tech industry, Meta has announced the termination of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This decision, revealed in an internal memo by Janelle Gale, Meta’s vice-president of human resources, comes at a politically sensitive time preceding Donald Trump’s inauguration.

The memo cites changes in the legal and policy landscape surrounding DEI efforts in the U.S. as the primary reason for this shift. Recent Supreme Court decisions have significantly influenced how courts approach DEI initiatives, leading Meta to reevaluate its strategies.

Implications of the Decision

Meta’s decision to end its DEI programs will have far-reaching effects on its hiring and training practices. The company will no longer implement specific diverse hiring practices and is ending its equity and inclusion training programs. This includes the cessation of programs like the Diverse Slate Approach and representation objectives, which were pivotal in pursuing more inclusive hiring practices.

“The term ‘DEI’ has also become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others.” – Janelle Gale

Despite these changes, Meta maintains that it aims to build a diverse workforce through other means. The company has stated its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses that power much of the economy, shifting away from its previous focus on sourcing from diverse-owned businesses.

Aligning with Political Changes

Meta’s decision aligns closely with the views of President-elect Donald Trump, a known critic of DEI programs. This move is part of a broader trend of Silicon Valley leaders aligning with the incoming administration. Mark Zuckerberg, along with other tech leaders including Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook, has visited Trump and donated to his inauguration.

“We believe there are other ways to build an industry-leading workforce and leverage teams made up of world-class people from all types of backgrounds.” – Janelle Gale

In addition to ending DEI programs, Meta has also announced the cessation of fact-checking programs for Facebook and Instagram. The company plans to shift to a “community note” system, with Zuckerberg citing concerns about political bias among fact-checkers.

Industry-Wide Implications

Meta’s decision is not isolated. Other major companies like McDonald’s, Walmart, Ford, and Lowe’s have also rolled back their diversity initiatives. This trend reflects a broader shift in corporate America’s approach to diversity and inclusion, influenced by both legal challenges and political pressures.

As the tech industry and corporate America navigate these changes, the impact on workplace diversity and inclusion efforts remains to be seen. Meta’s decision may set a precedent for other companies grappling with similar challenges in the evolving political and legal landscape.