In this article, Amazon has announced that it is pausing some of its diversity and inclusion initiatives, following a trend among major corporations facing increased public and legal scrutiny. In a Dec. 16 internal communication obtained by CNBC, Candi Castleberry, Amazon’s VP of inclusive experiences and technology, informed employees that the company is phasing out outdated programs and materials as part of a comprehensive review of numerous initiatives. Castleberry emphasized the shift towards focusing on programs with proven outcomes to cultivate a more genuinely inclusive culture, rather than having separate groups develop programs.
The memo from Castleberry did not specify which programs Amazon is discontinuing as a result of the review. Amazon typically discloses annual data on the racial and gender composition of its workforce and supports various employee resource groups such as Black, LGBTQ+, indigenous, and veteran groups. In 2020, Amazon set a goal to double the number of Black employees in vice president and director roles, a goal reiterated in 2021 along with a commitment to hiring 30% more Black employees for corporate roles like product managers and engineers.
Meta recently followed suit by scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, discontinuing practices like considering qualified candidates from underrepresented groups for open positions and equity and inclusion training programs. This decision faced criticism from Meta employees, with one employee expressing disappointment over the company’s retreat from its stated principles during challenging times. Other companies like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Ford have also adjusted their DEI initiatives in response to conservative pushback and the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action.
As the nation’s second-largest private employer after Walmart, Amazon has also revised its “Our Positions” webpage, consolidating sections on equity for Black people, diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ rights into a single paragraph. The updated section emphasizes Amazon’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and rejecting unequal treatment. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel clarified that the webpage is periodically updated to reflect changes in the company’s programs and positions.
Castleberry’s full memo to Amazon’s team highlighted the company’s efforts to enhance representation and inclusion by evaluating and streamlining programs, unifying employee groups, and prioritizing initiatives with proven impact. The company aims to create a culture that is inclusive for all employees and reflective of its diverse customer base. Amazon is transitioning from standalone programs to integrating diversity and inclusion efforts into existing processes to establish a more sustainable and inclusive approach. The company plans to phase out outdated programs and materials by the end of 2024 while continuing to invest in initiatives that promote diversity, growth, and connection for employees and communities worldwide.
