Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is ramping up its diversification plans, joining firms across America that are rolling back plans criticized by environmentalists, citing legal and political risks.
The move comes days after the tech giant, owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, said it was ending a fact-checking program criticized by President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans and promoting law enforcement to key leadership positions.
In a memo to employees about the decision, which affects hiring, supplier and training efforts, the company cited “changing legal and policy situations”.
Walmart and McDonalds are among other companies that have made similar decisions about diversity efforts since Donald Trump won re-election.
In its memo to staff, which was first reported by Axios and confirmed by the BBC, Meta cited the decision of the Supreme Court, while also noting that the word “DEI” has already been “charged”.
It said it will continue to look for different employees, but it has ended its current method, which seems to choose from a group of different people.
Major banks and investment groups, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock, have also left groups focused on climate change risks.
The measures have accelerated the retreat that began two years ago, such as Republicans have stepped up their attacks on firms like BlackRock and Disneyaccusing them of “awakening” progress and threatening political punishment.
Major brands like Bud Light and Target have also faced backlash and boycotts related to their efforts to appeal to LGBTQ customers.
Most of the diversity, equity and inclusion programs, known as DEI, were created after the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in 2020 after the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police.
The recent decisions made by the courts have strengthened the critics of these programs who say they are discriminatory.
Supreme Court in 2023 he rejected the right of private universities to consider race in admissions decisions.
Another appeals court ruling struck down a Nasdaq policy that would have required companies listed on the stock exchange to have at least one woman, ethnic minority or LGBTQ person on their board or explain why not.
It also said it is ending its efforts to work with “various” suppliers but will focus on small and medium-sized companies.
It also plans to stop offering “equality and inclusion” training and instead offer programs that “reduce bias for all people, regardless of background”.
Meta declined to comment on the memo, news of which was immediately met with criticism and celebration.
“I’m sitting and enjoying every second of this,” said conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who has credited himself with successfully campaigning for the policies at companies such as Ford, John Deere and Harley-Davidson.
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