Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke

Google has joined a growing list of major US corporations scaling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recruitment targets. The move, confirmed by national media news networks, follows an internal review of the company’s corporate policies and reflects a broader reassessment of DEI initiatives in the face of evolving legal and political pressures.

While Google maintains its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, the company is adjusting its approach. A spokesperson stated, “We’re committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities.” They further explained that the updated annual investor report language reflects this commitment, and that as a federal contractor, Google is “evaluating changes required following recent court decisions and executive orders on this topic.”

The change is evident in Google’s recent investor reports. Between 2021 and 2024, the reports explicitly stated the company’s dedication to making “diversity, equity, and inclusion part of everything we do.” This statement is notably absent from the latest report, published this week.

This shift marks a significant departure from Google’s previous stance. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020 and the ensuing protests, the tech giant had been a vocal advocate for DEI targets. CEO Sundar Pichai even set a five-year goal to increase the number of leaders from underrepresented groups by 30%. The company reported progress towards this goal, with the proportion of Black leadership nearly doubling between 2020 and 2023. Increases in representation of women and Latino individuals in leadership roles were also reported.

However, the current political climate, fueled by attacks on DEI policies from figures like former President Donald Trump and his allies, appears to be influencing corporate strategies. Following his return to the White House, Trump reportedly ordered government agencies to eliminate DEI initiatives. These pressures, coupled with recent court decisions challenging affirmative action, are prompting companies to re-evaluate their DEI programs.

While Google’s specific plans for its existing DEI programs remain unclear, the decision to abandon recruitment targets signals a significant shift in the company’s approach to diversity. The move raises questions about the future of DEI initiatives in the corporate world and the extent to which legal and political pressures will continue to reshape corporate diversity strategies. The story, initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, underscores the ongoing debate and complexities surrounding diversity and inclusion in the workplace.