Google has announced it will no longer set diversity hiring targets and is reviewing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, marking a significant shift in the tech giant’s approach to workplace representation. The decision aligns Google with a growing number of U.S. companies scaling back DEI efforts in response to political and legal challenges.
Following the George Floyd protests in 2020, Google pledged to improve representation among underrepresented groups, particularly Black and Latino communities. The company set aspirational hiring goals and invested in expanding operations outside of California and New York to promote workplace diversity.
However, in its latest report released on February 5, Google omitted previous statements about integrating DEI into its company ethos, signalling a change in priorities. In an internal email, Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi confirmed that while Google will continue to invest in diverse hiring locations, it will no longer set aspirational diversity goals.
“In 2020, we set aspirational hiring goals and focused on growing our offices outside California and New York to improve representation,” Cicconi wrote. “We’ll continue to invest in states across the U.S. and in many countries globally, but in the future, we will no longer have aspirational goals.”
Google’s decision mirrors similar moves by Amazon, Meta, and other major corporations that have recently reduced or eliminated DEI initiatives, citing shifts in the legal and political landscape. The company is reportedly considering recent executive orders from former President Donald Trump, which targeted federal DEI programs and influenced corporate policies.
The move has been interpreted as a response to right-wing criticism of corporate diversity programs. Conservative figures, including commentator Robby Starbuck, have led campaigns pressuring companies to withdraw from DEI initiatives.
Despite these changes, Google has committed to maintaining employee resource groups for underrepresented communities, including 17 groups with over 50,000 members.
“We’re committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities,” a Google spokesperson said. “Our teams are also evaluating changes required following recent court decisions and executive orders on this topic.”
The decision has drawn intense criticism from employee advocates. Parul Koul, president of the Alphabet Workers Union (AWU), described the move as an “attack on the gains workers have made” in fighting racism, gender, and LGBTQ+ discrimination.
“This is part of a troubling trend in tech companies, where there is a growing anti-worker, right-wing influence,” Koul said. “We are committed to fighting against this trend.”
Google’s rollback of DEI policies is part of a broader corporate retreat from diversity initiatives. In January, Meta announced it would stop moderating comments on topics like immigration and gender and eliminate independent fact-checking in favour of a community-driven system. Amazon similarly reduced its DEI programs, stating it was “winding down outdated programs” in favour of initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Other major companies, including Ford, Lowe’s, Walmart, Harley-Davidson, and Jack Daniel’s, have also distanced themselves from DEI commitments, reflecting a growing divide in corporate America’s approach to diversity and inclusion.
As companies reconsider their DEI strategies, the future of corporate diversity efforts remains uncertain. With Google leading the charge in scaling back its programs, the move could set a precedent for other major tech firms navigating the evolving political and legal landscape surrounding DEI.
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