Meta Eliminates DEI Programs Amid Shifting Legal Landscape

The controversial ideology of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) appears to be nearing its end—and Meta is leading the charge. According to Axios, Mark Zuckerberg has decided to dismantle all DEI initiatives at Meta, returning to hiring practices rooted in meritocracy.

Janelle Gale, Meta’s Vice President of Human Resources, confirmed the sweeping changes in a memo to employees. She explained that Meta’s approach to hiring, development, and procurement practices will undergo significant revisions.

In her memo, Gale acknowledged a broader shift in the U.S. legal and policy framework regarding DEI efforts. “The legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing,” she wrote. “The Supreme Court of the United States has recently made decisions signaling a shift in how courts will approach DEI.”

Gale also noted that the term ‘DEI’ has become contentious, as it is often perceived as favoring certain groups over others. However, she emphasized that Meta remains committed to serving diverse communities globally. “Meta has the privilege to serve billions of people every day. It’s important to us that our products are accessible to all and useful in promoting economic growth and opportunity around the world,” she wrote.

Among the proposed changes, Meta plans to:

• Eliminate its DEI team entirely.
• End all equity and inclusion programs.
• Cease requiring suppliers to meet diversity quotas and targets.

These actions mark a dramatic shift for the tech giant, making it the largest U.S. company to completely phase out DEI initiatives. Critics of DEI argue that such programs often discriminate against white and Asian applicants, while supporters view them as essential for fostering workplace diversity.

The decision has sparked speculation about Zuckerberg’s motives. Some observers believe the move reflects a broader effort to mend fences with conservatives, including former President Donald Trump, whom Meta has faced accusations of censoring in the past.

Recent decisions at Meta seem to bolster this theory. Earlier this week, Zuckerberg appointed UFC President Dana White, a staunch Trump ally, to Meta’s board of directors. White’s vocal support for Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign included speaking at the Republican National Convention and addressing the crowd on election night.

Additionally, Meta recently dismissed Nick Clegg, the company’s President for Global Affairs and a former leader of the left-leaning Liberal Democrats in the U.K. Clegg played a key role in Meta’s decision to ban Trump from its platform following the January 6th protests in 2021. He has since been replaced by Joel Kaplan, a Republican operative with close ties to conservative circles.

This isn’t the first time Zuckerberg has extended an olive branch to Trump. Following Trump’s surprising election victory, Zuckerberg reportedly visited him at Mar-a-Lago and later donated $1 million to his inauguration fund. These actions, coupled with Meta’s recent DEI rollback, suggest a calculated effort to realign the company with conservative values.

Predictably, Meta’s decision has provoked outrage among progressives. DEI programs are widely seen by the left as vital tools for correcting systemic inequities and promoting workplace inclusion. The elimination of these initiatives at one of the world’s most influential tech companies signals a potential domino effect across the industry.

However, Meta’s shift also underscores a growing resistance to DEI initiatives, particularly as they face mounting legal challenges. Critics argue that these programs, while well-intentioned, can inadvertently foster resentment and perpetuate divisions. By scrapping DEI, Meta appears to be signaling a commitment to merit-based hiring while attempting to navigate an increasingly polarized political landscape.

Meta’s decision is part of a broader trend among corporations reevaluating their DEI strategies. In light of recent Supreme Court rulings and public backlash, businesses are increasingly weighing the legal, social, and financial implications of such programs.

For Zuckerberg, the stakes are high. Meta’s transition away from DEI could alienate progressive employees and users, but it might also curry favor with conservative stakeholders and policymakers. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Zuckerberg’s latest move has set a new precedent in Silicon Valley—one that could redefine the role of corporate America in shaping cultural and political norms.