Meta-axis DEI programs aligning with corporate return

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is scrapping its diversity programs, joining companies across corporate America that are pushing 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 President-elect Donald Trump was ending a fact-checking program criticized by Republicans and promoted conservatives to key leadership positions.

In a memo to employees affected by the decision, hiring, suppliers and training efforts, the company cited a “changing legal and policy landscape.”

Walmart and McDonalds are among other companies that have made similar decisions about diversity efforts since Donald Trump won re-election.

In the note to the staff, this is First reported by Axios and as confirmed by the BBC, Meta referred to the Supreme Court ruling, which also stated that the term “DEI” had become “charged”.

He said he will continue to seek a diverse workforce, but will end the current approach, which seeks to make selections from a diverse pool of candidates.

Major banking and investment groups, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock, have also pulled out of groups focused on climate change risks.

The moves have accelerated the retreat that started two years ago Republicans stepped up their attacks on companies like BlackRock and Disneythat they had “awakened” progressive activism and threatened political punishment.

Big brands like Bud Light and Target also faced backlash and boycotts for their efforts to appeal to 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 rulings have heightened criticism of the programs, which they said were discriminatory.

Supreme Court in 2023 private universities denied the right to consider race in admission decisions.

Another ruling by an appeals court overturned a Nasdaq policy that would have required listed companies on that exchange to have at least one woman, racial minority or LGBTQ person on their board or explain why not.

He said the effort to work with “various” suppliers is ending, but will focus on small and medium-sized companies.

It also plans to stop offering “equity and inclusion” training and instead “provide programs that alleviate bias for everyone, regardless of your background.”

Meta refused to comment on the announcement, which was immediately met with criticism and celebration.

“I’m sitting back and enjoying every second of it,” said conservative activist Robby Starbuck, credited with successfully challenging policies at companies such as Ford, John Deere and Harley-Davidson.