A new DEI fault line is being drawn in Silicon Valley

Key Points

  • Google is backing away from diversity hiring targets, following scrutiny in Washington, D.C.
  • US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced investigations into illegal DEI actions in companies receiving federal funds.
  • Major companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google are reevaluating or scaling back their DEI initiatives.
  • Apple and Microsoft are maintaining their DEI commitments despite external pressures.
  • A recent Supreme Court decision has influenced corporate DEI policies by outlawing race-based quotas in university admissions.

Summary

Google has decided to eliminate its diversity hiring targets, reflecting a broader trend among Silicon Valley giants like Meta and Amazon, who are also reevaluating their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This shift comes amidst increasing legal and political scrutiny, highlighted by a memo from US Attorney General Pam Bondi, which announced investigations into potentially illegal DEI practices in companies receiving federal funds. The backdrop to these corporate changes includes a Supreme Court ruling against race-based quotas in university admissions, prompting conservative groups to challenge similar practices in corporate hiring. Despite this, not all tech companies are retreating; Apple and Microsoft continue to uphold their DEI commitments, with Apple even urging shareholders to reject a proposal to assess DEI risks. Meanwhile, Google plans to maintain its Employee Resource Groups and partnerships with educational institutions to foster inclusion, even as it adjusts its hiring practices. This evolving landscape underscores the tension between corporate DEI goals and legal interpretations of equality and discrimination.

yahoo
February 8, 2025
Stocks
Read article

Related news