Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently announced significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The company plans to eliminate its DEI team, discontinue equity-focused programs, and phase out efforts to work with diverse-owned third-party suppliers. It will also scale back its "diverse slate" hiring program, which sought to ensure a wide range of candidates for open roles. Chief Diversity Officer Maxine Williams will transition to a new role. Despite these changes, Meta reiterated its dedication to accessibility and workforce diversity, emphasizing its commitment to an inclusive product environment.
Meta's decision mirrors similar moves by McDonald's, which recently announced it would reduce its DEI initiatives. McDonald's revealed plans to drop diversity goals for senior leadership and to discontinue its supplier diversity training program. However, the company highlighted achievements like reaching its goal of allocating 25% of its supplier budget to diverse-owned businesses. Citing a "shifting legal landscape" and the Supreme Court's recent decision affecting affirmative action in college admissions, McDonald's stated, "We remain committed to inclusion but are reassessing programs to align with current realities."
These rollbacks reflect a broader trend, as companies like Walmart, Target, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson have also scaled back DEI commitments. Walmart announced it would stop considering demographic data in financing decisions, while John Deere ended participation in cultural awareness events. Harley-Davidson discontinued its DEI initiatives earlier this year, stating, "Employee training will focus solely on workplace development."
Experts are divided on the implications. Traci Sitzmann from the University of Colorado argued that such changes show corporate DEI efforts are subject to public opinion, risking employee trust and performance. Conversely, Villanova professor Corinne Post suggested some changes are "surface-level" and might not fundamentally alter companies' commitments to diversity.
Critics, such as Andrea Abrams of American Pride Rises, expressed concern, saying, "Companies that once championed diversity are now capitulating to external pressures." Others believe competitive pressures will continue to drive companies to create welcoming environments for diverse talent.
Link: ABC News