Meta and Amazon scale back diversity programs amid changing political climate

Meta Platforms and Amazon have announced plans to wind down their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reflecting shifting political and legal land scapes as Donald Trump prepares to return to the US presidency. Meta, in an internal memo, revealed it is discontinuing DEI programs related to hiring, training, and supplier selection, while Amazon is phasing out its representation and inclusion efforts, targeting completion by late 2024.

These moves come amid growing conservative opposition to DEI initiatives, which critics argue promote preferential treatment. The trend has gained momentum following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in university admissions. Meta Vice President Janelle Gale noted the legal shift, explaining that the term ‘DEI’ has become polarising, and courts are signalling changes in their approach to such programs.

Meta has also made high-profile changes to align with conservative leadership, elevating Republican Joel Kaplan as its chief global affairs officer and adding UFC CEO Dana White, a close Trump ally, to its board. The company’s relationship with Trump has softened recently, with Meta pledging $1 million to his inaugural fund in December. These developments mark a departure from the company’s previous focus on inclusive policies following the 2020 protests against racial injustice.

As political and cultural pressures mount, corporate America’s retreat from DEI programs signals a broader shift in how businesses approach diversity and inclusion, navigating the intersection of public sentiment, legal rulings, and political dynamics.