Tech Companies Scale Back Diversity and Inclusion Programs in 2023

In the aftermath of the 2020 killing of George Floyd, many tech companies, including Google, launched initiatives to support their Black employees. These efforts were intended to address issues of representation, equity, and support for the mental and physical health of Black employees. However, by 2023, there has been a significant reduction in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related programs and job postings at these companies. DEI-related job postings had declined by 44% compared to the previous year, and there was a 23% drop in November 2023 compared to the same period the year before. Both Google and Meta have downsized and cut staff and programs related to DEI. This trend has impacted smaller third-party organizations that relied on partnerships with these tech giants. Experts have expressed concerns that these cutbacks could lead to even greater power imbalances, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. While Google and Meta have stated that their commitment to DEI work remains unchanged, they have made significant staff cuts in this area. There have also been complaints regarding pay inequities within certain programs aimed at supporting underrepresented talent. Furthermore, layoffs have affected personnel involved in recruiting underrepresented individuals and leadership roles within Black employee resource groups at these companies. These cutbacks have also impacted planned learning and development programs for underrepresented talent. The implications of these cutbacks extend beyond the companies themselves, as third-party organizations are also experiencing the effects of reduced support and partnerships from tech companies. This dwindling support could hinder the progress that had been made in the DEI space. Despite the challenges, experts emphasize the importance of DEI work, especially in light of the rapid advancements in AI technology. They also highlight the potential long-term impact on these companies' ability to attract and retain talent.