Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is scaling back its diversity programs, joining companies across corporate America that are pulling back on initiatives criticized by conservatives, citing legal and political risks.
The move comes just days after 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 promoted conservatives to key leadership positions.
In a memo to staff about the decision, which affects hiring, suppliers and training efforts, the company cited a “changing legal and political environment.”
Walmart and McDonalds are among other companies that have made similar decisions regarding diversity efforts since Donald Trump was re-elected.
In his letter to the staff, which was first reported by Axios and confirmed by the BBC, Meta cited the Supreme Court ruling, also noting that the term “DEI” had become “accused”.
They said they would continue to seek a diverse staff, but would end their current approach, which tends to make selections from a pool of diverse 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 accelerated a retreat that began two years ago, as Republicans have stepped up their attacks on companies like BlackRock and Disneyaccusing them of “woke” progressive activism and threatening political punishment.
Big brands like Bud Light and Target have also faced backlash and boycotts over their efforts to attract LGBTQ customers.
Many of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, known as DEI, were launched after the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in 2020 following the police killing of George Floyd.
Recent court decisions have emboldened critics of the program, who have said it is discriminatory.
The Supreme Court is in 2023 it ended the right of private universities to take race into account in admission decisions.
Another appeals court ruling overturned a Nasdaq policy that would have required companies listed on the exchange to have at least one woman, racial minority or LGBTQ person on their board or explain why not.
He said he is also ending his efforts to work with suppliers that are “disparate,” but will instead focus on small and medium-sized businesses.
It also plans to stop offering “equity and inclusion” training and instead offer programs that “reduce bias for everyone, regardless of your background.”
Meta refused to comment on the letter, the news of which was immediately met with both criticism and celebration.
“I’m sitting back and enjoying every second of this,” said conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who is credited with successfully campaigning against policies at companies such as Ford, John Deere and Harley-Davidson.
