Meta Platforms announced Friday the dismantling of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team and the rollback of several related initiatives. This marks a significant policy shift for the social media giant, following recent Supreme Court rulings and a perceived change in the legal climate regarding DEI programs.
The move aligns with the incoming Trump administration's anticipated actions. In an internal memo, Meta cited the changing legal and policy environment surrounding DEI efforts as the rationale.
Meta Vice President of Human Resources Janelle Gale argued that the term "DEI" has become politically charged, with some arguing it promotes preferential treatment. The company will discontinue its "Diverse Slate Approach," a program designed to ensure diverse candidate pools for open positions.
"While we remain committed to attracting and fostering talent from diverse backgrounds," Gale noted, "we believe alternative approaches can better build a world-class workforce." The company will also end its supplier diversity program, emphasizing instead support for small and medium-sized businesses.
The changes also include a restructuring of Meta's DEI leadership. Maxine Williams, chief diversity officer, will transition to a role focusing on accessibility and engagement.
These actions follow similar moves by other major corporations, including Walmart and McDonald's, which cited recent court rulings on affirmative action as justification.
Republican lawmakers welcomed Meta's decision. Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) described the changes as a positive step towards dismantling the "woke industrial complex." Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) echoed this sentiment, expressing approval of the initiative.
The DEI changes come on the heels of Meta's recent decision to eliminate its fact-checking program. This decision has drawn criticism from Democrats, who accuse Meta of yielding to political pressure from the incoming administration. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for increased misinformation and disinformation on the platform with the shift to a user-driven community notes system.
Meta's recent actions and personnel shifts suggest a proactive effort to adapt to the evolving political landscape. This includes recent donations to the Trump inauguration and meetings with the president-elect.
