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In December, Amazon executive Candi Castleberry said in a letter to employees that it is "winding down outdated programs and materials" related to DEI by the end of 2024.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.
Astana hosted the grand finale of Silk Way Star, the first Asian vocal mega project bringing together performers from across the region. Mongolia’s ...
The Amazon River’s future is increasingly defined by the condition of the wider Amazon Basin, a forest system that anchors the river’s rainfall, b...
McLaren’s Lando Norris mastered the wet conditions under the lights of Las Vegas to secure pole position for Saturday’s Grand Prix, beating Red Bu...
Top officials from the United States, Ukraine and Europe are meeting in Geneva to negotiate Washington’s draft plan to end the war in Ukraine, with ...
The leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic nations held a joint call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, pledging continued military...
The Amazon River’s future is increasingly defined by the condition of the wider Amazon Basin, a forest system that anchors the river’s rainfall, biodiversity and hydrological balance. Scientists warn the relationship has entered a fragile phase.
As host of next year’s COP30 climate summit, Belem is unveiling an ambitious new model for sustainable growth — one that turns the Amazon’s natural abundance into livelihoods while keeping its forests standing.
Amazon AMZN.O is reportedly preparing to cut up to 30,000 corporate positions starting Tuesday, as part of a major cost-reduction effort aimed at correcting overhiring during the pandemic, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Brazil’s government approved on Monday exploratory drilling by state-run oil company Petrobras near the mouth of the Amazon River.
The pilot of an Indian fighter jet performing in the Dubai Air Show has died after the aircraft crashed during an aerial display on Friday.
An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed in a ball of fire during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday (November 21), leaving spectators in shock.
The United States is preparing to launch a new round of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro’s government and targets what it calls Venezuela’s role in the regional drug trade.
Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the southern Netherlands was suspended on Saturday evening after multiple drones were sighted near the facility, prompting the deployment of counter-drone systems and raising fresh alarm over airspace security in Europe.
President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will soon speak with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, amid speculation that the U.S. could launch an attack on the Latin American nation.
The Amazon River’s future is increasingly defined by the condition of the wider Amazon Basin, a forest system that anchors the river’s rainfall, biodiversity and hydrological balance. Scientists warn the relationship has entered a fragile phase.
McLaren’s Lando Norris mastered the wet conditions under the lights of Las Vegas to secure pole position for Saturday’s Grand Prix, beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a tense and slippery qualifying session that could prove pivotal in the championship race.
Top officials from the United States, Ukraine and Europe are meeting in Geneva to negotiate Washington’s draft plan to end the war in Ukraine, with pressure mounting ahead of Thursday’s deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Kyiv to respond.
The leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic nations held a joint call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, pledging continued military and economic support for Kyiv and reaffirming their commitment to Europe’s collective security amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro was taken into custody on Saturday after a Supreme Court justice cited an escape risk linked to a planned supporters’ vigil and evidence of tampering with his electronic ankle monitor, ending months of house arrest as he appeals his coup-plot conviction.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment