Meta Announces End of DEI Programs: Company Makes Dramatic Changes
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has announced the end of several internal programs aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion within the company. In an internal memo shared with employees, Janelle Gale, Meta’s vice president of people, revealed that the company would be discontinuing initiatives such as the “Diverse Slate Approach,” diversity supplier program, equity and inclusion training programs, and disbanding the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team.
Employee Backlash and Policy Reversals
The decision to end these programs has sparked criticism from several Meta employees. One employee expressed their disappointment with the new policy, stating, “If you don’t stand by your principles when things get difficult, they aren’t values. They’re hobbies.” This comment received reactions from over 600 colleagues, highlighting the internal discord within the company.
This move comes amidst a series of policy reversals by Meta, including the replacement of global affairs head Nick Clegg with Joel Kaplan and the announcement of a new speech policy by Mark Zuckerberg. These changes suggest a shift in the company’s approach to various internal initiatives and strategies.
Meta’s Response to Changing Legal Landscape
In the internal memo obtained by CNBC, Gale addressed the changing legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States. The Supreme Court’s recent decisions have signaled a shift in how courts view DEI initiatives, prompting Meta to reevaluate its practices.
Meta’s decision to end the Diverse Slate Approach, representation goals for women and ethnic minorities, supplier diversity effort, and equity and inclusion training programs reflects the company’s commitment to serving everyone. Gale emphasized the importance of building cognitively diverse teams to drive innovation and develop products that cater to a global audience.
Meta’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Despite the discontinuation of specific DEI programs, Meta remains steadfast in its principles of serving everyone, building the best teams, driving consistency in employment practices, and fostering connection and community. The company aims to create a workforce that represents a wide range of backgrounds and experiences while ensuring fairness and objectivity in all its practices.
As Meta navigates these changes, employees and stakeholders are left to ponder the implications of the company’s decision to shift its approach to diversity and inclusion. With Meta’s focus on accessibility and engagement, the future of the company’s workforce and internal culture remains uncertain.
