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    DEI Under Attack: A Comprehensive Look at the 5 Biggest Corporations Saying ‘No’ to Diversity

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    Diversity, equity and inclusion programs are at risk at a number of major corporations, according to the latest data. 

    In a study released by executive search firm Bridge Partners, investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, also known as DEI programs, amongst U.S.-based companies have dropped by approximately 11%, shifting from 77% in 2023 to 66% in 2024. 

    The decrease in DEI program support comes amidst an increase in support for MEI programs, otherwise known as merit, equity and inclusion programs. Coined by CEO Alexandr Wang and supported by Elon Musk, the implementation of MEI programs signifies a push to remove DEI roles and replace them with positions filled by workers that were hired based on “a prioritization of skill over DEI.”

    The myriad of attacks on DEI programs have been led in part by names such as Robby Starbuck, a DEI detractor who has attacked the programs through social media posts. Per NBC News, Starbucks has a variety of companies, and he’s intent on pressuring them to remove DEI programs as the new year kicks in. 

    Here are five top companies that have already announced that they will be dropping their DEI programs. 

    Amazon: Announced earlier this week, multiple news outlets confirmed that Amazon already sent internal announcements in December announcing that they will be scaling back on DEI programs, labeled in the memo as “outdated programs and materials,” before moving into the new year. Instead, they will shift focus to programs they have already labeled as having “proven outcomes.”

      The announcement that they will be removing DEI programs comes four years after they announced that they would focus on doubling the number of Black employees in executive positions. The company pledged to increase the number of Black employees in corporate roles by 30% as well. Since then, the company has reported that Black employees hold up to only 5.8% of senior leadership roles compared to 63.3% of white employees. 

      Meta: Reports that Meta has also ended DEI programs recently resurfaced with Axios first reporting the news on Friday. In their memo, released by the outlet, the company announced that they believed the term “DEI has become charged,” choosing to end representation goals and remove their Diverse Slate Approach. Meta will also end equity and inclusion training programs. The change is reportedly effective immediately. 

        Several Meta workers have criticized the company’s latest announcement, particularly since several changes have been inside Meta that many are saying have been attempts to “make inroads with the Trump administration.” Recently, Meta announced that it will be removing its fact-checking program and will be changing filters to allow for an influx of political content on its platform. 

        Walmart: In late 2024, Walmart announced that, once their five-year commitment to an equity racial center is over, they will not be renewing it. Along with removing their DEI programs, which were implemented following the murder of George Floyd, the company also announced changes in its partnerships; race or gender will no longer be considered when entering deals with suppliers. Approximately 1.6 million workers will be affected by the change. The company is considered to be the largest corporation to remove its DEI programs. 

          McDonalds: On Jan. 6, McDonalds announced that they will be echoing the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action and remove their DEI programs. The food chain will specifically remove attempts to diversify the company at a senior level and permanently eliminate a program aimed at working alongside BIPOC suppliers.

            McDonalds first announced its DEI programs in 2021 after they were sued by over 50 Black McDonald’s franchise owners for discrimination. According to the lawsuit, the company failed to support them as they were given restaurants deemed less profitable, with fewer sales and higher costs for security and insurance. 

            Harley-Davidson: In Aug. of last year, Harley-Davidson shared an internal memo announcing that they removed their DEI program in April 2024. With the removal of its DEI program, the company announced that it will no longer operate under hiring quotas and will not have “supplier diversity spend goals.” Harley-Davidson’s decision came one month after Starbucks took to social media, aiming to divide supporters by saying that the company “has gone totally work.”

            The post was supported by Musk and other right-wing conservatives who boosted his post. The company was the third to give in to his pressure after Tractor Supply and John Deere announced that they would both be removing DEI programs within their corporations. 

              Veronika Lleshi is an aspiring journalist. She currently writes for Hunter College's school newspaper, Hunter News Now. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing and making music. Lleshi is an Athena scholar who enjoys getting involved in her community.

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