Meta and Amazon shut down inclusive programmes

Meta Platforms and Amazon have decided to close their diversity and inclusion programmes ahead of the inauguration of newly elected US President Donald Trump. 

This change was prompted by sharp criticism from conservative circles, particularly Republicans, according to a report by Reuters on 11 January.

According to sources, the initiative to support ethnic minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalised groups, which these companies had actively supported in recent years, is now being scaled back. 

The reason for this move was attacks by conservative groups criticising Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes. Following the 2023 US Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in university admissions, these programmes were perceived as a threat, leading to threats of lawsuits.

«Conservative organisations condemned DEI programmes and stated their intention to sue the companies. Inspired by the Supreme Court ruling, they claimed that such programmes hinder rapid response to disasters, such as wildfires in Los Angeles. Even Elon Musk and other Trump allies accused DEI of this without evidence», writes Reuters. (Conservative organisations condemned DEI programmes and stated their intention to sue the companies. Inspired by the Supreme Court ruling, they claimed that such programmes hinder rapid response to disasters, such as wildfires in Los Angeles. Even Elon Musk and other Trump allies accused DEI of this without evidence, writes Reuters.)

Meta has already suspended programmes related to training, hiring, and supplier selection aimed at promoting diversity within the organisation. 

In addition, Meta closed its fact-checking programme in the US and appointed Republicans Joel Kaplan and Dana White to senior positions.

These changes occurred against the backdrop of improved relations between Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's founder, and Donald Trump. Media previously reported an informal meeting between them at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, after which Meta allocated $1 million to support Trump's inauguration.

Amazon also announced the winding down of programmes concerning inclusion and representation, stating that it would complete this process by the end of 2024, according to internal documents obtained by Reuters.