Tech Companies: Who’s Committed to DEI and Who’s Rolling It Back?
In recent months, many companies across America have begun to scale back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, largely due to legal and political pressures stemming from the Trump administration. This shift has raised concerns about the future of DEI initiatives in various sectors.
Political Pressures Affecting DEI Programs
Legal and political threats have prompted significant changes in corporate America. Attorney General Pam Bondi recently instructed the Department of Justice to investigate and potentially penalize DEI programs that are considered illegal, particularly in companies receiving federal funding.
Government Actions Against DEI
- Trump signed an executive order banning DEI initiatives in the federal government.
- Support from influential figures, including Elon Musk, has intensified this movement.
- Organizations like PBS have closed their DEI offices, and NASA has avoided using terms related to “environmental justice” and gender-specific initiatives.
Corporate Responses to DEI Changes
Several high-profile companies have announced rollbacks or adjustments to their DEI commitments, including:
- McDonald’s
- Harley-Davidson
- Goldman Sachs – Removed diversity requirements for corporate board applications.
- Ford
- Walmart
While some companies are retreating from DEI commitments, others are attempting to maintain a balance. Notable companies like Apple, Costco, and JPMorgan continue to emphasize their dedication to diversity.
DEI Trends in Tech Companies
In the tech sector, the trend of minimizing DEI mentions in official documents is growing. Here’s a snapshot of how major tech companies are handling DEI in 2025:
- Amazon: A leaked memo indicated a reduction of DEI programs, despite a public commitment to diversity.
- Apple: Continues to advocate for inclusion, with shareholders rejecting a proposal to eliminate DEI policies.
- Google: Has started to remove diversity hiring goals and is reviewing its DEI initiatives.
- Meta: Reportedly cut DEI programs and eliminated its DEI team.
- Microsoft: Despite laying off its DEI team, the company released its inclusion report reaffirming its commitment to diversity.
Specific Company Actions on DEI Initiatives
Here’s a closer look at how various companies are adjusting their DEI strategies:
- Intel: Reduced DEI language in 10-K filings while maintaining a commitment to diversity on its website.
- Nvidia: Continues to promote diversity through its sustainability reports.
- Salesforce: Despite removing diversity targets from its filings, it released an equality update emphasizing ongoing commitments.
- Tesla: Removed DEI mentions from its 10-K, reflecting CEO Elon Musk’s critical stance on DEI.
- Zoom: Laid off its DEI team but plans to collaborate with external consultants for inclusion efforts.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of DEI initiatives in America reflects a complex interplay between political agendas and corporate responsibility. As companies navigate these challenges, the future of DEI remains uncertain. For more information on corporate diversity efforts, visit NBC News or check out other resources on Catalyst.
