Meta has opted to phase out its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as per an internal memo acquired by *Axios*. This action indicates a broader cultural and political realignment within the organization, mirroring other recent choices that seem to adopt a more conservative stance.
The memo, penned by Janelle Gale, Meta’s Vice President of Human Resources, points to changing legal and cultural circumstances as crucial factors driving the decision. Gale referred to the 2023 Supreme Court verdict that abolished race-based affirmative action in higher education as a case in point for heightened legal examination regarding workplace DEI initiatives. She also remarked that the term “DEI” has gained political connotations, with some perceiving it as a framework that favors specific groups over others.
The conservative pushback against DEI has been extensive, often linking the concept to more extensive societal discussions. For example, Elon Musk recently tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting that DEI was to blame for the disastrous wildfires in Los Angeles—an assertion that experts instead attribute to extreme weather and climate change.
Even though it is discontinuing its formal DEI initiatives, Gale stressed that Meta remains devoted to establishing “cognitively diverse teams” encompassing a wide range of perspectives, skills, and backgrounds. She made it clear that professional opportunities would not be allocated or denied based on legally protected traits.
This decision also signifies that Meta will discontinue its “diverse slate approach,” a recruitment strategy initiated in 2015 that encouraged managers to consider candidates from underrepresented communities. Furthermore, the company will replace equity and inclusion training with initiatives aimed at implementing “fair and consistent practices” to reduce bias for all employees, irrespective of their backgrounds.
This change comes at a contentious time for Meta. Just days prior, CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that the company would stop depending on fact-checkers to oversee misinformation on its platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Instead, Meta will implement a “Community Notes” system akin to X’s model, prioritizing “free expression.”
The alteration in moderation policies has ignited outrage, especially following changes to Meta’s Hateful Conduct policy that permitted users to post disparaging remarks, such as labeling gay individuals as “mentally ill,” women as “property,” and certain ethnicities as “diseases.” Human rights advocates have vehemently condemned these alterations, warning of their possible repercussions.
Compounding the controversy, Meta recently brought Dana White, president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and a known supporter of Donald Trump, onto its board of directors. *The Washington Post* indicated this appointment might be part of Zuckerberg’s attempts to bolster connections with Trump. In December, Zuckerberg also made headlines by contributing $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund.
Meta’s recent choices have attracted considerable criticism and sparked inquiries regarding the company’s shifting priorities and its dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.