Amazon.com (AMZN.O) has removed a reference to “inclusion and diversity” in its 2024 annual report. This change follows a December memo to employees, in which the company announced it would wind down its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This move is part of a larger trend where major corporations are scaling back DEI initiatives, which gained prominence after the 2020 protests over police violence against Black Americans.
The decision comes as political figures like former President Donald Trump have criticized DEI policies. Trump’s administration had pushed back against diversity efforts in both government and the private sector. Recently, Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed the Justice Department to investigate and penalize illegal diversity programs in businesses.
In previous years, Amazon’s “human capital” section of its report emphasized diversity as part of its commitment to being “Earth’s best employer.” The 2024 report, however, omits this reference, removing language that focused on “inclusion and diversity” along with a mention of promoting equity in hiring and employee development.
In December, Amazon executive Candi Castleberry announced that the company would phase out “outdated” DEI programs by the end of 2024. She explained that instead of having individual groups create these initiatives, Amazon would integrate them into broader company processes with a focus on proven outcomes and fostering a truly inclusive culture.
Amazon has not yet addressed whether it plans to change or eliminate DEI-related employee positions.
Other tech giants like Meta Platforms (META.O) and Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) have also rolled back diversity efforts. Conservative groups have threatened legal action against companies over their DEI policies.
Similarly, Disney (DIS.N) removed references to its “Reimagine Tomorrow” program from its 2024 annual report, which previously aimed to amplify underrepresented voices. However, Disney introduced a new DEI initiative focused on hiring U.S. military veterans.
Meanwhile, a group of twelve state attorneys general, including those from New York, California, and Washington, voiced opposition to Trump’s views on DEI, reaffirming their commitment to enforcing civil rights laws that protect workers from discrimination.