Google tells employees it is scrapping DEI program, here's why

Google

Google joins the list of tech companies which have shut down their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. In the last one month or so, the likes of Meta, Amazon have also shuttered their DEI programs. According to a report by The Verge, Google’s HR chief, Fiona Cicconi, announced that the company will no longer set specific hiring targets for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She cited Google’s role as a federal contractor, along with recent US court rulings and executive orders, as reasons for the shift.

A report by The Wall Street Journal reveals that Google has also quietly removed a statement from its annual SEC filings that previously affirmed its commitment to integrating DEI into all aspects of its operations.

After taking office in January, one of Donald Trump’s first actions as president was signing an executive order to dismantle government DEI programs and place officials managing them on leave. Tech companies like Google, Meta, Amazon have been quick to follow Trump administration’s lead in ending — or at least curtailing — DEI programs.

In a statement given to multiple news outlets, Google said, “We’re committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities, and over the last year we’ve been reviewing our programs designed to help us get there. We’ve updated our 10-k language to reflect this, and as a federal contractor, our teams are also evaluating changes required following recent court decisions and executive orders on this topic.”

Tech companies aren't the only ones to stop DEI programs. Companies like Target, McDonald's, Walmart have also ended their DEI programs after Trump took office as the US president.