Meta, the tech behemoth behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced the discontinuation of its diversity programs, citing increasing legal and political risks. This decision follows a landmark 2023 Supreme Court ruling, which eradicated the right of private universities to consider race in admissions decisions. As a result, Meta has ceased using the term "DEI" (diversity, equity, and inclusion), viewing it as politically charged.
This shift marks the latest in a series of corporate retreats from diversity initiatives that many companies instituted following the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. In addition to Meta, notable corporations including Walmart and McDonald's have scaled back their diversity efforts. Major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and BlackRock have also withdrawn from groups addressing climate change risks.
The retreat from DEI programs has been gaining momentum over the past two years. This trend has largely been driven by Republican criticisms that targeted companies such as BlackRock and Disney for engaging in what they termed "woke" progressive activism. These criticisms came with threats of political repercussions, prompting organizations to reassess their diversity strategies.
A recent decision by a court of appeals to invalidate a Nasdaq policy requiring companies to have board members from diverse backgrounds further exemplifies the shifting landscape. The policy mandated that companies maintain at least one woman, racial minority, or LGBTQ individual on their boards, but its invalidation reflects the broader rollback of diversity initiatives.
Meta’s internal memo regarding these changes has sparked both criticism and support. While the company declined to comment on the memo, the reaction was swift and polarized. Conservatives have been elevated to pivotal leadership roles within Meta, signaling a strategic response to external pressures. Furthermore, Meta has ended a fact-checking program that faced criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and Republican leaders.
Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist known for campaigning against diversity policies at companies like Ford, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson, expressed his satisfaction with these developments.
"I'm sitting back and enjoying every second of this." – Robby Starbuck
Starbuck's sentiments highlight a broader conservative triumph in influencing corporate America’s approach to diversity and inclusion. His campaigns have been part of a wider effort to curb progressive activism in major corporations.
The recent moves by Meta and other companies underscore a significant shift away from progressive policies. They represent a calculated response to mounting Republican attacks on what they perceive as corporate overreach into social issues. However, Meta has not provided a clear timeline for when its diversity programs will be entirely phased out.
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