Amazon removes diversity references from annual report, shifting DEI focus to "proven outcomes". Meta, Google and Disney are among those rolling back DEI initiatives and programs.
Amazon.com opens new tab removed a reference to "inclusion and diversity" in its annual report filed on Thursday, after it told employees in a December memo that it was winding down its programs as part of corporate America's broader retreat from such policies.
Some of America's biggest businesses have been scaling back diversity initiatives, years after pushing for more inclusive policies in the wake of protests against the police killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans in 2020.
President Donald Trump and his administration have targeted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies inside and outside the government. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday in a note to staff said the Justice Department would "investigate, eliminate, and penalize" illegal diversity programs in the private sector.
For the last two years, Amazon's "human capital" section of its annual report said: "As we strive to be Earth's best employer, we focus on investment and innovation, inclusion and diversity, safety, and engagement to hire and develop the best talent."
In the 2024 version, that sentence has been cut.
The company also cut a reference to a goal to "promote equity" in a sentence about continuing efforts to refine employee hiring and development.
Amazon's website states it is "committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company.
In December, Amazon executive Candi Castleberry said in a letter to employees that it is "winding down outdated programs and materials" related to DEI by the end of 2024. As part of the change, individual groups would no longer be responsible for building programs and initiatives would be integrated into "existing processes."
"Rather than have individual groups build programs, we are focusing on programs with proven outcomes – and we also aim to foster a more truly inclusive culture," Castleberry said in the note.
Amazon did not comment on whether it would remove or rename DEI employee positions.
Big technology companies Meta Platforms and Alphabet's Google are among those rolling back programs in the face of attacks from conservative groups, who have threatened to sue firms over them.
Disney's 2024 annual report, which was published in September, removed mentions of its "Reimagine Tomorrow" program, which was an online space for "amplifying underrepresented voices" featuring some of Disney's diversity, equality and inclusion commitments and actions.
However, it added a DEI initiative to hire U.S. military veterans.
Twelve state attorneys general, including New York, California and Washington, last week issued a joint statement in opposition to Trump's characterization of DEI saying they are "committed to enforcing federal and state civil rights laws to protect" workers from discriminatory practices.
Amazon is set to roll out Alexa+, a next-generation update to its popular voice assistant powered by generative AI, with early access scheduled to begin in March.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the development of a new quantum computing chip, dubbed Ocelot, which it believes could shave up to five years off its timeline for building a commercially viable quantum computer.
Amazon Music Unlimited is raising its subscription prices again, with new rates already in effect for new subscribers as of January 29. Existing users will see the changes reflected in their billing cycle on or after March 5.
OpenAI plans to restructure as a public benefit corporation, aiming to attract major investments while balancing AI innovation, social good, and shareholder interests.
Amazon workers have gone on strike at several facilities across the country in efforts to pressure the retailer into contract talks with their union. This comes as the company is in the crucial final days of the holiday season.
Senior diplomats from Iran, Russia, and China gathered in Beijing on Friday for discussions on Tehran's nuclear programme, following Iran's rejection of U.S. "orders" to resume talks over the issue.
Measles cases in the European region surged to a 25-year high in 2024, more than doubling from the previous year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF reported on Thursday, urging immediate action to restore vaccination levels that declined after the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday he would be surprised if President Donald Trump supported the deployment of nuclear weapons further east into Europe, following Poland’s request to host U.S. nuclear arms as a deterrent against Russia.
The U.S. military is reviewing options to ensure American access to the Panama Canal, two officials told Reuters on Thursday, as President Donald Trump continues to push for greater U.S. control over the strategic waterway.
Sudan’s war has triggered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and aid blocked by warring factions, U.N. officials warned.
Italy’s League party urges the government to favour Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for satellite communication systems, citing Starlink's technological edge. The push comes amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² program, as Italy seeks secure communication solutions for officials.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is set to condemn Trump’s Gaza “Riviera” plan, backing Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction proposal. A classified draft resolution, rejects the relocation of Gazans, calls for urgent international support, and mobilises opposition to the U.S. stance.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
Senior diplomats from Iran, Russia, and China gathered in Beijing on Friday for discussions on Tehran's nuclear programme, following Iran's rejection of U.S. "orders" to resume talks over the issue.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday he would be surprised if President Donald Trump supported the deployment of nuclear weapons further east into Europe, following Poland’s request to host U.S. nuclear arms as a deterrent against Russia.
The U.S. military is reviewing options to ensure American access to the Panama Canal, two officials told Reuters on Thursday, as President Donald Trump continues to push for greater U.S. control over the strategic waterway.
Sudan’s war has triggered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and aid blocked by warring factions, U.N. officials warned.
President Donald Trump told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for international security, escalating his campaign to annex the Arctic island.
Senior diplomats from Iran, Russia, and China gathered in Beijing on Friday for discussions on Tehran's nuclear programme, following Iran's rejection of U.S. "orders" to resume talks over the issue.
Measles cases in the European region surged to a 25-year high in 2024, more than doubling from the previous year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF reported on Thursday, urging immediate action to restore vaccination levels that declined after the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday he would be surprised if President Donald Trump supported the deployment of nuclear weapons further east into Europe, following Poland’s request to host U.S. nuclear arms as a deterrent against Russia.
The U.S. military is reviewing options to ensure American access to the Panama Canal, two officials told Reuters on Thursday, as President Donald Trump continues to push for greater U.S. control over the strategic waterway.
Sudan’s war has triggered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and aid blocked by warring factions, U.N. officials warned.
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