In a December memo to employees, Amazon said it was “retiring outdated programs and materials” related to representation and inclusion and aimed to complete this process by the end of 2024. Ta.
“Rather than having individual groups build programs, we are focusing on proven programs and also aiming to foster a more truly inclusive culture,” said Amazon’s Director of Inclusive Experiences and Technology. Vice President Candy Castleberry said in a memo that was first reported. Bloomberg reported on Friday.external
Financial firms JPMorgan Chase & Co. and BlackRock also left the group this week, which focuses on risks from climate change.
The move marks a setback that began two years ago as Republicans step up attacks on companies such as BlackRock and Disney, accusing them of “wokeness” to progressive movements and threatening political punishment. This is an indication that the trend is accelerating.
Big brands like Bud Light and Target have also faced backlash and boycotts related to their efforts to appeal to LGBTQ customers.
Many of the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives were introduced after the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in 2020 in response to the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police.
Recent court rulings have intensified criticism that the program is discriminatory.
In 2023, the Supreme Court struck down the right of private universities to consider race in admissions decisions.
Another appeals court ruling requires companies listed on the exchange to have at least one woman, racial minority, or LGBTQ person on their boards, or to explain why. invalidated Nasdaq’s policy mandating it.
Meta also said it would end efforts to work with “diverse” suppliers and instead focus on small and medium-sized businesses.
The company also plans to stop offering training on “equity and inclusion” and instead offer programs that “reduce bias for everyone, regardless of their background.”
Mehta declined to comment on the memo, but the news quickly drew both criticism and celebration.
