Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is ending its diversity programs, joining companies across corporate America that are rolling back initiatives criticized by conservatives, citing legal and political risks.
The move comes just days after the tech giant, owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, announced it was ending a fact-checking program criticized by President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans and raised conservatives in key leadership positions.
In a memo to staff regarding the decision, which affects hiring, vendor and training efforts, the company cited a “changing legal and policy landscape.”
Walmart and McDonalds are among other companies to have made similar decisions regarding diversity efforts since Donald Trump’s re-election.
In his memo to staff, first reported by Axios and confirmed by the BBC, Meta cited the Supreme Court ruling, while also noting that the term “DEI” had changed to “accused.”
The company said it would continue to seek diverse staff, but would discontinue its current approach of selecting from a pool of diverse candidates.
Major banks and investment groups, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock, have also withdrawn from groups focused on climate change risks.
The moves accelerated a pushback that began two years ago, as Republicans stepped up their attacks on companies such as BlackRock and Disney, accusing them of “woke” progressive activism and threatening political sanctions.
Major brands such as Bud Light and Target have also faced backlash and boycotts related to their efforts to attract LGBTQ customers.
Many diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, known as DEI, were put in place after the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police .
Recent court rulings have reinforced criticism of these programs as discriminatory.
In 2023, the Supreme Court struck down the right of private universities to consider race in admissions decisions.
Another appeals court ruling struck down a Nasdaq policy that would have required companies listed on that exchange to have at least one woman, racial minority or LGBTQ person on their board of directors or explain why.
The company also said it was ending its efforts to work with “diverse” suppliers and would instead focus on small and medium-sized businesses.
It also plans to stop offering “equity and inclusion” training and instead offer programs that “mitigate bias for everyone, regardless of your background.”
Meta declined to comment on the memo, news of which immediately sparked both criticism and celebration.
“I’m sitting back and enjoying every second,” said conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who has taken credit for successfully campaigning against the policies of companies including Ford, John Deere and Harley- Davidson.
