Amazon has announced significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, following an internal review. In a memo from Candi Castleberry, Vice President of Inclusive Experiences and Technology, the company stated it is “winding down outdated programs and materials” to integrate DEI efforts into broader company processes. The move reflects a trend in the corporate world as several major companies reevaluate their DEI strategies.
The memo emphasized a shift towards embedding inclusivity within Amazon’s core operations rather than relying on standalone programs. “We move away from programs that were separate from our existing processes… aiming to complete that by the end of 2024,” Castleberry wrote. This approach, described as “built in” and “born inclusive,” aims to create lasting change through integration rather than supplementary efforts.
Amazon’s DEI initiatives have undergone scrutiny and reorganization in recent years. In 2020, the company pledged to double the number of Black employees in managerial roles and increase corporate hiring of Black employees by 30%. However, the company’s commitment to such specific goals has been less emphasized under its updated DEI strategy.
Notably, Amazon’s “Our Positions” page, which previously highlighted its stances on DEI and LGBTQ+ rights, has been streamlined to a single paragraph reaffirming a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The announcement follows Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’s meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, signaling potential shifts in corporate culture under the new political climate. Other corporations, including Meta, Walmart, and McDonald’s, have also reduced their DEI programs recently. Meta announced last week that it would end DEI initiatives for hiring, training, and supplier selection.
The changes at Amazon and other major companies indicate a broader recalibration in corporate America’s approach to diversity and inclusion efforts, moving away from high-profile initiatives towards more integrated and measured strategies.
