Companies like Meta, Amazon are not in favor of staff of different race, caste, color?
#News Bureau January 17,2025
Why are companies like Meta and Amazon ending their programs to hire employees of different races, castes and colors in their staff? Earlier, these companies used to take separate initiatives for such diversity in their staff, but now they are reducing such programs. Is there any pressure on them for this now?
In fact, there is news that Meta and Amazon are reducing their diversity programs. These corporates are also joining the US firms that are withdrawing from such recruitment and training initiatives. These companies and firms are doing this citing legal and political risks. Conservative people have been criticizing such diversity programs.
Before we get to the answer to why these criticisms are happening and why companies are backing down now, let us know what exactly diversity means in the workplace and why companies have been adopting it.
Diversity in the workplace means an inclusive environment in which all workers get equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender, color, age, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc. Earlier, companies used to initiate diversity in their workplace for many reasons. Companies have believed that having diversity in the workplace brings many benefits.
Diversity in the workplace boosts the reputation and brand of the company. Companies that are dedicated to creating and promoting diversity in the workplace are seen as better, more humane and socially responsible organizations. Diversity in the workplace also makes the company more interesting.
Creativity increases when people from different cultures and backgrounds work together. A diverse workplace allows for more ideas and processes and increases productivity. It also has huge benefits in marketing.
So why are these companies backing down now, despite so many gains? In fact, it started about two years ago.
The halt to diversity initiatives began about two years ago when Republicans stepped up attacks on firms like BlackRock and Disney, accusing them of progressive activism and threatening political harm. Big brands like Bud Light and Target have also faced backlash and boycotts over their efforts to attract LGBTQ customers.
While shortly before that, many initiatives of diversity, equality and inclusion were taken after the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests erupted in 2020 after the killing of George Floyd by the police. However, shortly after this, an atmosphere began to be built against diversity initiatives. Recent court decisions have also strengthened critics of diversity programs. The courts said that they were discriminatory.
According to the BBC report, in 2023, the Supreme Court revoked the right of private universities to consider caste-race in admissions. According to the report, the appellate court invalidated the Nasdaq policy, under which companies listed on that stock exchange must have at least one woman, racial minority or LGBTQ person on their board or give reasons for not doing so.
However, now Meta and Amazon have also announced to reduce diversity initiatives. This move has been taken soon after Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, announced to end the fact finding program.
Let us tell you that the newly appointed President Donald Trump and the Republicans had criticized the fact-finding programs. According to the BBC report, in a memo sent to employees, Meta has said that it is also ending its diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) efforts due to the ‘changing legal and policy landscape’.
Walmart and McDonald’s are among other firms that have made similar decisions regarding diversity efforts since Trump won re-election.
Meta cited Supreme Court rulings on race in college admissions and noted that the term diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, has become “charged.” The company said it will continue to seek diverse employees but will stop using its current process, which attempts to select from a diverse pool of candidates.
Amazon said in its internal announcement that it remains dedicated to delivering an inclusive experience but is changing its focus on such programs.