Mark Zuckerberg's Meta is scrapping its diversity programs, joining companies across corporate America that are rolling back initiatives criticized by conservatives, citing legal and political risks.
The tech giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, said it was ending a fact-checking program criticized by President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans, and the move comes days after it elevated conservatives to key leadership positions.
In a memo to employees about the decision, which affects hiring, supplier and training efforts, the company cited a “changing legal and policy landscape.”
Walmart and McDonald's are among other companies that have made similar decisions regarding diversity efforts since Donald Trump won re-election.
His memo to staff, which was First reported by Axios And confirmed by the BBC, Meta cited the Supreme Court ruling, while also noting that the term “DEI” has become “charged”.
It said it will continue to look for diverse employees, but will end its current approach, which looks to select from a diverse pool of candidates.
Major banks and investment groups, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock, have also pulled out of groups focused on climate change risks.
The moves accelerate a retreat that began two years ago, as Republicans have stepped up attacks on companies like BlackRock and DisneyAccusing them of “stirring up” progressive activism and threatening political punishment.
Big brands like Bud Light and Target also faced backlash and boycotts related to their efforts to appeal to LGBTQ consumers.
Many diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives were known as DEI following the Black Lives Matter protests that began in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd by the police.
Recent court decisions have emboldened critics of the programs, who say they are discriminatory.
Supreme Court in 2023 The right to consider race for private universities strikes down Admission decision.
Another court of appeals ruling struck down a Nasdaq policy that required companies listed on that stock exchange to have at least one woman, ethnic minority or LGBTQ person on their boards or explain why not.
It said it was also ending efforts to work with “diverse” suppliers but would instead focus on small and medium-sized companies.
It plans to stop offering “equity and inclusion” training and instead offer programs that “reduce bias for everyone, no matter what your background.”
Meta declined to comment on the memo, news of which was immediately met with both criticism and celebration.
“I'm sitting back and enjoying every second of it,” said conservative activist Robbie Starbuck, who has been credited with successfully campaigning against the policy at companies such as Ford, John Deere and Harley-Davidson.