Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, META, is terminating its major DEI programs, effective immediately, including for hiring, training and picking suppliers

Meta announced Friday that it is immediately ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, becoming the latest major corporation to step back from such initiatives. The decision impacts DEI-focused efforts in hiring, training, and supplier selection.

In a memo to employees, Meta's Vice President of Human Resources, Janelle Gale, explained the shift, citing changes in the "legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts." The move comes amid broader corporate reevaluations of DEI policies, as reported by Axios. Meta confirmed the decision in a response to FOX Business.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg makes a keynote speech during the Meta Connect annual event at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, on Sept. 25, 2024. (Reuters/Manuel Orbegozo / Reuters)
Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, announced the rollback of its DEI programs following the recent discontinuation of its fact-checking initiative earlier in the week.

Gale's memo referenced recent Supreme Court decisions that signal a shift in how courts may approach DEI, stating, “The term 'DEI' has also become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others.”

Joel Kaplan, Meta's Chief Global Affairs Officer, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the decision aims to ensure the company hires the most talented individuals without factoring in protected characteristics such as race or gender.

"This is ultimately about doing what’s best for our company," Kaplan said. "It’s clear that there’s a shift on this issue from a policy and legal perspective, and we want to ensure our programs are positioned for the long term."

Meta's decision follows similar moves by other major corporations. Earlier this week, McDonald's announced the end of several DEI policies, including its "aspirational representational goals" and DEI pledge for suppliers, while rebranding its diversity team as the "Global Inclusion Team." Companies such as Walmart, Ford, John Deere, Lowe's, and Toyota have also scaled back DEI initiatives in recent months.

The rollback comes as federal courts continue to challenge DEI-related mandates. In December, a federal appellate court struck down Nasdaq's diversity rules, which had previously been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Meta's decision also coincides with its announcement to replace its fact-checking initiative with a "community notes" system, similar to the model used by X (formerly Twitter).