As a result, these companies are re-evaluating or scaling back their previous DE&I commitments, often citing changing political climates, economic pressures or internal restructuring.
Here's a look at the tech companies scrapping its DE&I targets:
Google has announced it is abandoning its target to hire more staff from historically underrepresented groups and is reassessing its DE&I objectives.
In an email to employees, Google announced it would no longer pursue the “aspirational goals” it had set to improve representation, the Wall Street Journal first reported.
However, in a statement, the technology giant stated: “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 programmes 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."
Meanwhile, it also revealed it was evaluating whether to continue releasing annual diversity reports, which it has done since 2014.
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Meta
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, recently announced it is scrapping its DE&I program this year.
After years of championing more inclusive hiring practices, Meta now seeks to refocus its efforts in response to a more conservative corporate environment.
In a memo to employees, Meta attributed the move to the "shifting legal and policy landscape".
The memo also referenced a Supreme Court decision on race in college admissions and pointed out that the term ‘DE&I’ had become "politically charged."
However, the tech giant stated that it would continue to search for a diverse workforce but would discontinue its current approach of selecting candidates from a pool of diverse applicants.
Amazon
Like Meta, Amazon, stated in its internal memo that it remains "committed to providing inclusive experiences" but is changing its approach to prioritise programs with "demonstrated results."
Amazon VP of inclusive experiences and technology, Candi Castleberry, stated: "As part of this evolution, we've been winding down outdated programs and materials, and we're aiming to complete that by the end of 2024.”
She added that the changes include unifying "employee groups" under one umbrella.
BT Group
Earlier this week it was announced BT is reportedly removing its diversity and inclusion targets from its managerial bonus scheme.
According to reports, the telecoms giant has made major investors aware that it will replace the DE&I section of its managerial bonus scorecard, replacing it with “measure of employee engagement”, which will take effect from April.
A BT spokesperson said: “We remain committed to our inclusion and representation targets and are making good progress towards them.
“Inclusion will remain part of our senior management bonus calculations and we have received strong support from our shareholders on the proposals to amend our group scorecard.
Apple
Unlike the other companies, the board of the technology giant advised shareholders to oppose a proposal to revisit its DEI initiatives.
In a proxy filing, the company wrote: At Apple, we believe that how we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple’s success as making the best products in the world.
“We seek to conduct business ethically, honestly, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and our Business Conduct and Compliance policies are foundational to how we do business. We strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work," it concluded.
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