Google has become the latest major US corporation to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recruitment targets, following a review of its corporate policies. This shift comes amid a broader trend in the business world where several large companies, including Meta, Amazon, Pepsi, and McDonald’s, have reversed their commitment to such initiatives.
For years, Google had been an outspoken advocate of DEI goals, particularly after the death of George Floyd in 2020 and the subsequent protests. Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, set ambitious targets to increase leadership representation from underrepresented groups by 30% over five years. By 2024, the company had seen notable progress, with the proportion of Black leaders almost doubling and increases in female and Latino leadership representation.
However, with recent political and legal developments, including the return of former President Donald Trump to the White House, the company has decided to reevaluate its DEI programs. Trump’s administration has long been critical of DEI policies, and his executive orders have pushed federal agencies to eliminate such initiatives. In the wake of these pressures, Google has updated its annual investor report, no longer mentioning its previous commitment to making DEI “part of everything we do.”
The company’s spokesperson emphasized its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace but acknowledged the need to adjust to recent court rulings and executive orders on the matter. As a federal contractor, Google is required to align with these changes.
This decision by Google reflects a broader shift in corporate America, where companies are increasingly stepping back from their DEI targets in response to political pressures and potential legal risks. Other companies like Meta, Walmart, and Target have followed suit, signaling a shift in the corporate landscape.
Apple, however, has remained firm in its commitment to diversity, recently pushing back against a proposal from conservative groups that called for an end to the company’s DEI policies. Despite the growing pushback against DEI targets, companies like Apple continue to stand by their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This development highlights a broader cultural shift and the complex intersection between corporate policies, political influence, and legal considerations. As the landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other tech giants and multinational corporations navigate the changing dynamics around DEI initiatives.
