Google has joined a growing number of US companies that have abandoned or reduced their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, following an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at curbing such programs in federal contractors.
The move, announced in an email to employees on Wednesday, came in response to a shifting political and legal landscape. Google, a major federal contractor, is reevaluating its DEI programs in light of Trump’s recent executive orders, which put pressure on contractors to eliminate DEI initiatives that could be deemed “illegal.”
The shift was also reflected in Google’s annual 10-K report, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this week. The company removed a statement that had been part of previous reports, where it had pledged to make diversity, equity, and inclusion a core part of its operations.
“We’re committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement. “Over the last year, we’ve been reviewing our programs designed to help us get there.” The company confirmed it was making changes in response to court decisions and executive orders affecting federal contractors.
Diversity Goals Adjusted
Google’s move is in line with a broader trend among major companies in the tech sector, many of which have rolled back or scaled back their DEI efforts. Meta, Amazon, Tesla, and Walmart have similarly adjusted their diversity policies in response to the political environment and legal challenges posed by the Trump administration.
For Google, which generates the bulk of parent company Alphabet’s $350 billion in revenue, its commitment to diversity dates back over a decade. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Google ramped up its efforts to increase diversity, particularly in leadership roles.
CEO Sundar Pichai set a goal to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in the company’s leadership by 30% by 2025. While there have been some gains, including an increase in the proportion of Black and Latino employees in leadership positions, progress has been slower than expected.
Shifting Landscape and Legal Risks
Google’s decision to scale back its DEI initiatives follows a broader trend of uncertainty surrounding diversity programs in both the public and private sectors. Trump’s executive order threatens financial sanctions for federal contractors found to be in violation of new DEI guidelines, which could result in large penalties under the False Claims Act.
The lack of clarity around which policies may be deemed “illegal” has left companies navigating complex legal risks. Despite these challenges, some companies, like Apple, have continued to support DEI policies, pushing back against the trend to reduce such programs.
As Google’s diversity programs undergo adjustments, the broader conversation about corporate responsibility and social justice initiatives in the workplace remains a contentious issue.
