Meta and Amazon Scale Back Diversity Initiatives

Two major tech companies, Meta and Amazon, are reducing their diversity initiatives relating to hiring and supplier selection. The companies have cited potential legal challenges to certain policies as a key reason for this change.

In a memo addressing its decision, Meta indicated that a "shifting legal and policy landscape" was influencing its stance. The company emphasized that discrimination on the basis of inherent characteristics should not be tolerated. Meta highlighted that the term "DEI" (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) has become problematic, as it is sometimes perceived as favoring certain groups over others.

Meta has already moved to discontinue representation goals for women and ethnic minorities, as it believes that such goals can foster an impression that hiring decisions are made based on race or gender rather than merit. Furthermore, the company is ending its supplier diversity programs, with a new focus on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also pledged to stop its equity and inclusion training programs, prioritizing efforts to reduce bias in team dynamics instead.

Meanwhile, Amazon has announced its own plans to roll back outdated diversity programs and materials related to representation and inclusion. This transition is expected to be completed by the end of last year. The company is aiming for a more focused approach, concentrating on programs with proven successful outcomes.

According to Candi Castleberry, Amazon's Vice President of Inclusive Experiences and Technology, the company is shifting from allowing individual groups to create their own programs. Instead, Amazon intends to foster a more genuinely inclusive culture by streamlining initiatives that deliver tangible results.

As previously reported, large retailers and suppliers in Australia are expected to reduce their diversity management programs by 2025. The focus may shift toward hiring individuals deemed most suitable for roles rather than those simply meeting diversity criteria.

Meta, Amazon, Diversity