Google is abandoning its goal to increase hiring from underrepresented groups and is reviewing some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The move aligns with a broader trend among major U.S. companies scaling back diversity programs.
The tech giant had been one of the most vocal corporations advocating for more inclusive hiring practices, particularly in the wake of the 2020 protests following the police killing of George Floyd.
However, Google has now dropped that and follows similar shifts at other major tech firms. In January, Facebook parent company Meta announced it was ending its DEI programs related to hiring, training, and supplier selection. Amazon also revealed plans to “wind down outdated programs and materials” tied to diversity efforts.
The rollback comes amid growing political and legal challenges to affirmative action-style policies. Some conservative groups have accused companies of discriminatory hiring practices.
Despite the changes, Google has not entirely abandoned its DEI efforts. The company maintains that it remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, though the scope of its future initiatives remains unclear.
As corporate America reassesses its approach to diversity, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact hiring practices and workplace representation in the long term.
