On February 7, Amazon.com removed mentions of "inclusion and diversity" from its annual report, aligning with a corporate trend stepping back from such initiatives. This shift reflects a larger retreat across major U.S. companies, a reversal from the heightened focus on inclusivity following the protests in 2020 regarding police violence against Black individuals.
There has been a notable decrease in diversity efforts by various companies, echoing actions by President Donald Trump's administration that have opposed diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. The Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced intentions to scrutinize and potentially penalize unlawful diversity programs in the private sector.
Previously, Amazon's annual report emphasized a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace to attract top talent, but these references were removed from the 2024 version. The company also eliminated mention of striving to "promote equity" in its hiring and development practices.
Despite these changes, Amazon's website still affirms its dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. The company's strategy now involves phasing out outdated DEI programs by integrating initiatives into existing processes to cultivate a more genuinely inclusive culture, as stated by Amazon executive Candi Castleberry in December.
Amazon has not clarified if it plans to remove or rename DEI roles within the organization. Similar adjustments have been observed in other tech giants like Meta Platforms and Alphabet's Google, responding to pressure from conservative factions. Additionally, Disney's recent annual report omitted its "Reimagine Tomorrow" program, previously focused on amplifying underrepresented voices, while introducing a new DEI initiative to recruit U.S. military veterans.
A coalition of twelve state attorneys general, including New York, California, and Washington, recently denounced Trump's stance on DEI, reaffirming their commitment to enforcing anti-discrimination laws to protect workers' rights.