In early 2025, some of the most powerful names in tech: Meta, Amazon, Google, began rolling back their DEI programs. It was swift, controversial, and echoed across boardrooms and newsrooms alike.

But despite the pullbacks, one truth remains: DEI in tech isn’t a trend. It’s a necessity. And walking away from it now isn’t just shortsighted, it’s a strategic mistake.

What’s Happening in Big Tech?

In January, Meta sent an internal memo announcing the end of its formal DEI programs, citing political pressure and a shift in corporate priorities (Axios, 2025a).

Shortly after, Amazon quietly scaled down some of its DEI initiatives, claiming they were now "embedded in core business functions" (The Verge, 2025).

And Google? It eliminated minority recruitment goals and confirmed it was reevaluating its overall DEI strategy (Axios, 2025b).

All of this happened as political scrutiny around DEI intensified, and just before the latest U.S. administration took office.

What’s At Risk?

These rollbacks may be framed as “strategic realignments,” but the impact runs deeper.

• Public trust is shaken, especially among communities that saw these companies as champions of inclusion.

• Employee morale drops, particularly among ERGs and underrepresented staff.

• Innovation stalls when diversity of perspective is lost.

Critics argue that dismantling these programs sends a dangerous message: that DEI is optional, disposable, or worse, performative (The Guardian, 2025).

DEI Is Still a Business Advantage

Despite the noise, the numbers haven’t changed.

• Companies with diverse leadership teams are 36% more likely to outperform competitors (McKinsey & Company, 2023).

• Inclusive cultures drive innovation, expand global reach, and increase retention.

• And as Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian recently put it, "Companies stepping away from DEI will be forced to reverse course when they realize what they’ve lost" (Business Insider, 2025).

This isn’t about politics. It’s about performance.

A Message to Tech Leaders

If you’re in tech and considering reducing DEI efforts, ask yourself:

• Are you responding to pressure, or data?

• Are you planning for short-term calm, or long-term strength?

• Are you willing to risk culture, creativity, and talent just to avoid headlines?

Real leadership means holding the line when it matters most.

Final Thoughts

Pulling back from DEI might silence critics for a moment. But the true cost? Reputation. Talent. Innovation.

Big Tech is built on boldness. And there’s nothing bolder right now than staying committed to inclusion... even when others retreat.

How Diversity.com Supports DEI in Tech

At Diversity.com, we help tech companies and startups attract, retain, and grow with diverse talent.

We know that the most innovative companies don’t abandon inclusion when it’s hard—they double down. That’s why we offer the tools, insights, and talent pipelines to keep DEI efforts alive and thriving.

For Tech Employers & Founders:

✔ Create a free employer account — Post roles that reflect your values. Hire inclusively without compromising quality.
✔ Access a diverse tech talent — Source qualified professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.
✔ Get DEI insights for scaling teams — Learn how to embed inclusion into engineering, product, and leadership culture.

For Job Seekers:

✔ Search inclusive employers — Find roles at startups and giants that value your full identity.
✔ Create a free job seeker account — Showcase your skills and let aligned employers find you.
✔ Explore DEI in tech culture — Stay informed about shifts in hiring, leadership, and equity across the industry.

We believe tech can lead the way on DEI. The question is: Will your company be leading, or catching up?

Let's talk.

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• The NFL’s DEI Game Plan: Progress or PR Stunt?

Sources & References:

• Axios. (2025a). Read: Meta’s memo to employees rolling back DEI programs. https://www.axios.com/2025/01/10/meta-dei-memo-employees-programs

• The Verge. (2025). Amazon is 'winding down' some of its DEI programs. https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/10/24341016/amazon-winding-down-dei-programs

• Axios. (2025b). Google scraps minority recruitment goals, will review DEI programs. https://www.axios.com/2025/02/05/google-ends-minority-recruitment

• The Guardian. (2025). Meta terminates its DEI programs days before Trump inauguration. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/10/meta-ending-dei-program

• Business Insider. (2025). Reddit cofounder says he expects a 'swift shift' back to DEI hiring practices. https://www.businessinsider.com/reddit-cofounder-expects-swift-shift-back-to-dei-hiring-practices-2025-3

• McKinsey & Company. (2023). Diversity wins: How inclusion matters. https://www.mckinsey.com