Last updated:January 11, 2025, 13:35 IST
Amazon and Meta have scaled back their DEI programs ahead of President Donald Trump’s return this month. Mark Zuckerberg also ordered tampons removed from men’s restrooms.
Mark Zuckerberg (Image from Associated Press)
Ahead of Donald Trump’s return as U.S. president, Amazon.com Inc. is scaling back its diversity programs amid growing criticism from conservatives of these efforts.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also recently made major changes to the company’s policies, including suspending its DEI program and ordering the removal of tampons from men’s restrooms.
Facility managers at Meta’s Silicon Valley, Texas and New York offices were ordered to remove tampons and sanitary napkins provided to non-binary and transgender employees, The New York Times reported. It is said that
Amazon changes
Several major U.S. companies have moved on diversity initiatives after 2020 protests over police killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans, despite initially supporting more inclusive policies. efforts are being reduced.
On Friday, Amazon announced in a memo to employees that it plans to phase out “outdated programs and materials” related to diversity and inclusion, with the process expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
The move comes as conservative groups, emboldened by a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that abolished affirmative action in college admissions, have criticized such programs and threatened legal action against companies that maintain them. This was done amid threats of action.
This week, Elon Musk and other Donald Trump allies blamed the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program for the slow response to the Los Angeles wildfires. Notably, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos donated $1 million to President Trump’s inaugural committee.
Janelle Gale, Meta’s vice president of human resources, acknowledged in the memo that “the legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing.”
Gale cited recent Supreme Court decisions as “a sign of change” in how U.S. courts will approach DEI programs going forward.
Meta ends DEI program
Meta will also suspend its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, including those related to hiring, training and supplier selection, according to an internal memo shared with employees on Friday. The company will no longer have a dedicated DEI team, a new move welcomed by conservatives.
In recent weeks, Meta has ended its U.S. fact-checking program, appointed prominent Republican Joel Kaplan, CEO of the UFC and ally of President Trump, as chief global affairs officer. It has taken some notable steps, including adding Dana White to its board of directors.
What is a DEI program?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are facing increasing criticism in boardrooms, statehouses, and college campuses across the country. These programs aim to promote a more inclusive and just society.
Diversity involves recognizing and valuing the unique differences that individuals bring, such as race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and other social identities. Equity focuses on treating people fairly and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Inclusion is about creating an environment where all voices are valued and individuals from diverse backgrounds feel able to share their ideas and perspectives.Location:
Washington DC, United States (USA)
