Mark Zuckerberg's Meta is scaling back its diversity programs, joining firms in corporate America that are pulling back 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 that has been criticized by President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans and has elevated 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 policy landscape.”
Walmart and McDonalds are among other companies that have made similar decisions regarding diversity efforts since Donald Trump won re-election.
In his memo to staff that was first reported by Axios and confirmed by the BBC, Meta cited the Supreme Court ruling while noting that the term “DEI” had become “accused”.
She said she would continue to seek a diverse staff, but would end her current approach, which seeks to make selections from a pool of diverse applicants.
Major banks and investment groups including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock have also pulled out of groups focused on climate change risks.
These moves hastened the retreat that began two years ago, as Republicans have stepped up attacks on firms 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 related to their efforts to appeal to LGBTQ customers.
Many of the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, known as DEIs, were introduced after the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in 2020. after the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police.
Recent court rulings have bolstered critics of the programs who say they are discriminatory.
Supreme Court in 2023 revoked the right of private universities to consider race in admissions decisions.
Another appeals court ruling invalidated Nasdaq's policy that required companies listed on that stock 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 efforts to work with suppliers that are “diverse” but will instead focus on small and medium-sized companies.
It also plans to stop offering “equity and inclusion” training and instead offer programs that “reduce bias for everyone, regardless of your background.”
Meta declined to comment on the memo, news of which was immediately met with both criticism and celebration.
“I'm sitting and enjoying every second of it,” said conservative activist Robbie Starbuck, who takes credit for successfully campaigning against the policies of companies such as Ford, John Deere and Harley-Davidson.