Meta, the parent entity of Facebook and Instagram, will discontinue all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—including those related to recruitment, training, and vendor selection.
“The legal and regulatory environment concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the United States is evolving,” noted Janelle Gale, Meta’s vice president of human resources, in an internal memo shared with Axios. “The Supreme Court has recently issued rulings that indicate a shift in how judicial bodies will view DEI practices. The acronym ‘DEI’ has also taken on a contentious meaning, as some perceive it as a mechanism that favors certain groups over others.”
The organization announced it would dismantle the DEI division and cease its efforts to engage diverse suppliers. Furthermore, Meta plans to eliminate its representation objectives and diverse-slate recruitment practices, which were designed to enhance diversity within the organization.
This decision follows closely on the heels of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s statement that the company would discontinue the use of fact-checkers on its social media platforms. Zuckerberg also appointed Dana White, an ally of Donald Trump, to Meta’s board, marking another gesture toward the incoming Trump administration.
