Mark Zuckerberg appears to adapt policies to align with shifting political winds, and Meta's latest move is no exception. The company has announced sweeping changes to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, effective immediately, citing recent legal and policy developments in the United States.
Key Changes on Meta Shifting Policies
Hiring Practices
Meta has eliminated its "Diverse Slate Approach," which previously ensured diverse candidates were considered for each role. Instead, the company will focus on broad sourcing without specific diversity quotas, reflecting a shift in response to legal challenges that criticized such practices as potentially discriminatory.
Representation Goals
The company has also ceased setting representation goals for women and minorities, emphasizing a merit-based approach to avoid perceptions of race- or gender-based hiring decisions. Meta maintains that such biases were never part of its practices but acknowledges the potential for misunderstanding.
Supplier Diversity
Meta is ending its supplier diversity initiatives, which previously prioritized working with businesses owned by underrepresented groups. The focus will now pivot to supporting small and medium-sized businesses more generally, moving away from explicit diversity targets.
Legal and Political Context
These adjustments follow recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings signaling stricter scrutiny of DEI policies. The term "DEI" has become politically charged, with critics suggesting it implies preferential treatment. Meta’s strategic pivot aims to ensure compliance with the evolving legal landscape and mitigate risks of litigation.
Corporate Trend
Meta is not alone. Companies like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Microsoft are also reassessing DEI strategies under mounting legal and political pressures, particularly in light of lawsuits and the policies of a new administration less supportive of structured DEI programs.
Internal Communication
In an internal memo, Meta’s VP of Human Resources, Janelle Gale, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusivity through innovative products and a strong workforce, even as structured DEI programs are phased out.
This decision underscores a growing corporate challenge: balancing inclusivity with legal compliance in an era of intense political scrutiny. Meta's actions reflect not only a response to external pressures but also a broader redefinition of DEI practices across corporate America.
We Report, You Decide. Do you Trust Zuckerberg sudden shift to a more conservative viewpoint, or will Facebook keep their DEI initiatives alive through different programs?
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