Meta disbands diversity team and says DEI has become ‘charged’

Meta is withdrawing its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs due to the “legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts” in the US. according to a memo to employees seen Axios. Meta will also abandon representation goals and end its “diversity approach” to hiring.

MemoThe document, written by Janelle Gayle, Meta’s vice president of human resources, says the company will replace DEI programs with programs “that focus on how to implement fair and consistent practices that reduce bias for everyone, no matter your background,” according to Axios. The company will also “stop trying to source suppliers from businesses owned by different businesses.”

“The United States Supreme Court recently issued decisions signaling a change in the courts’ approach to DEI,” Gale wrote. “The term ‘DEI’ has also come under fire, in part because some understand it as a practice that offers preferential treatment to some groups over others.”

Meta spokeswoman Tracy Clayton confirmed the news. Edge What Axios‘ reports are accurate.

Update January 10: Added confirmation from Meta.