Additional Coverage:
- Meta policy chief says decision to end DEI ensures company hires ‘the most talented people’ (foxbusiness.com)
Meta has scrapped its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to focus on hiring the most talented individuals regardless of race or gender.
According to Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan, the company’s DEI programs were being revised in light of recent Supreme Court decisions and anticipated legal changes.
Kaplan emphasized that Meta is committed to inclusion but believes evaluating people as individuals and sourcing candidates from a diverse pool is a more effective approach.
Meta’s decision follows similar actions by other prominent companies, including McDonald’s, Walmart, and Ford, which have scaled back or eliminated DEI policies.
Meta’s move coincides with its announcement to end fact-checking programs on Facebook and Instagram, a decision CEO Mark Zuckerberg said was aimed at restoring free expression.
Kaplan believes the changes will allow Meta to align with the Trump administration’s support for free speech and explore partnerships on other issues.