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11 Corporations That Are Scaling Back DEI Initiatives

Several major U.S. companies have started scaling back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, redirecting their focus toward broader business objectives and financial performance. This shift comes amid evolving legal and social landscapes, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action, which has prompted increased scrutiny of corporate diversity programs. This reevaluation reflects a broader trend in corporate America, where companies are weighing the long-term impact of their DEI commitments against economic uncertainties, legal considerations, and shareholder expectations.

Meta

“The masculine energy I think is good. And obviously society has plenty of that, but I think corporate culture is really trying to get away from it. All these forms of energy are good, and I think having a culture that celebrates the aggression a bit more has its own merits that are really positive.” It’s the kind of remark you might expect from a self-proclaimed men’s rights advocate on YouTube, yet it was actually spoken by Meta’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is dissolving its DEI team and eliminating its policy of ensuring a diverse candidate pool for job openings. The company reviewed its approach following the Supreme Court ruling and concluded that recent legal developments indicate a shift in how such programs are evaluated.

As part of this transition, Meta stated that it would focus on fair and consistent hiring practices that avoid bias but would not make employment decisions based on specific identity factors. Leadership emphasized that hiring processes should prioritize talent over demographic considerations.