Google has become the latest major US company to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recruitment targets, following a review of its corporate policies. The tech giant is also re-evaluating other aspects of its DEI programs, sources told BBC News.
The decision to discard its DEI recruitment goals marks a significant shift for Google, which had previously been a vocal advocate for diversity initiatives, particularly after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 sparked widespread protests and calls for social change.
Review and Policy Changes
Google’s move comes as the company reviews its policies in light of recent court decisions and executive orders, including those issued by President Donald Trump, who has long been critical of DEI programs. Trump, who recently returned to the White House, has ordered government agencies to eliminate such initiatives.
A Google spokesperson stated, “We’re committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities.” The company updated its annual investor report to reflect these changes, noting that its teams are working to assess any necessary adjustments in response to the new political climate.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the news of Google’s policy change. The company’s previous investor reports between 2021 and 2024 had emphasized a strong commitment to making DEI a core part of its operations, a statement notably absent in the latest report.
Shifting Corporate Landscape
Once a leader in promoting diversity in tech, Google had set ambitious goals in the wake of George Floyd’s death. CEO Sundar Pichai committed to increasing the proportion of underrepresented groups in its leadership by 30% over five years. According to the company, the percentage of Black people in its leadership roles almost doubled between 2020 and 2024, while representation of women and Latinos also improved.
However, Google is not alone in scaling back its DEI efforts. Meta, Amazon, Pepsi, McDonald’s, Walmart, and other major companies have similarly rolled back or reversed their DEI programs in recent months. In contrast, Apple has maintained its stance on diversity, even asking investors last month to vote against a proposal to end its DEI policies.
Legal Challenges and Backlash
The pushback against DEI policies has been accompanied by legal challenges. For example, Target is facing a lawsuit from shareholders who allege that the company concealed risks related to its DEI initiatives. The retailer came under fire in 2023 for its LGBTQ+ merchandise, which led to a decline in both sales and stock prices.
The Trump administration has been vocal in its disapproval of DEI, with the president recently suggesting, without evidence, that such policies may have contributed to an air crash in Washington D.C.
As companies continue to adapt to changing political and social dynamics, the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate America remains uncertain.
