Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, and e-commerce giant Amazon are making significant shifts in their diversity programs as they prepare for Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency. The move comes amidst escalating conservative backlash against such initiatives in corporate America.
Over recent years, major corporations in the United States had been actively promoting diversity and inclusivity following nationwide protests sparked by incidents like the police killing of George Floyd. However, Meta is now discontinuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across various areas such as hiring practices, employee training, and supplier selection.
In a recent internal memo circulated among employees, Meta announced its decision to dismantle these programs—a development that has been met with approval from conservative quarters. The social media powerhouse has also taken additional actions aimed at aligning itself with Republican interests. This includes terminating its U.S. fact-checking initiative, appointing prominent Republican figure Joel Kaplan as Chief Global Affairs Officer, and adding Dana White—CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a close associate of Trump—to its board.
The pivot in Meta’s strategy can be seen as an attempt to mend fences with a political leader who has openly criticized the platform’s content policies and even issued threats against its CEO. Notably, Meta made headlines when it pledged a $1 million contribution to Trump’s inaugural fund in December—an unusual move given the company’s history of supporting more left-leaning causes in the past.
Similarly, Amazon.com is streamlining its diversity-related efforts by phasing out outdated programs before the end of 2024. A memo shared with employees revealed the company’s intention to revamp its approach towards representation and inclusion within its workforce.
Conservative groups have vehemently opposed DEI initiatives like those previously championed by Meta and Amazon. Their stance has been emboldened by legal developments such as a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action policies in university admissions decisions. Recent public statements from figures like Elon Musk have further fueled criticism against DEI programs by linking them to impeding responses to societal challenges like wildfires without substantiated evidence.
Janelle Gale, Vice President of Human Resources at Meta emphasized shifting legal frameworks surrounding DEI efforts within corporate America in light of recent court decisions signaling changes ahead. Gale pointed out that terms like
“DEI”
have become polarizing due to perceptions about favoritism towards certain groups over others.
As part of its restructuring plans, Meta will no longer maintain a dedicated team focused on DEI activities; instead, Chief Diversity Officer Maxine Williams will transition into a role centered on accessibility and engagement initiatives.
In conclusion…
By scaling back their diversity programs ahead of Trump’s inauguration shadowing corporate America once again…
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