Key Takeaways:

• Google is ending its diversity hiring goals and reviewing its DEI initiatives.
• This decision follows a broader trend among U.S. companies scaling back on diversity programs.
• Google cited compliance with federal guidelines from the Trump era as part of the rationale.

Alphabet's Google has made a significant shift by discontinuing its previously set objectives for hiring from historically underrepresented groups. This move reflects a growing pattern among numerous U.S. companies that have begun to reassess their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies after having initially ramped them up in response to widespread social justice movements following the police killings of George Floyd and others in 2020. In a recent memo, the Guardian reported insights from Fiona Cicconi, Google's Chief People Officer, who stated, “We set ambitious hiring goals and aimed to expand representation by growing offices outside California and New York,” but, she emphasized, "we will no longer set aspirational goals."

Notably, Google had previously aimed for a 30% increase in the representation of its leadership from underrepresented groups by 2025, as articulated by CEO Sundar Pichai at the onset of these initiatives. However, its latest filings with the Reuters indicate a departure from this commitment, as they omitted previously declared statements on DEI goals and objectives. Instead, the company now aims to adapt to changes resulting from court decisions and federal executive orders stemming from the Trump administration, which sought to limit DEI programming for federal contractors.

In the memo, Cicconi mentioned that while aspirational hiring goals are being abandoned, Google would maintain its internal employee resource groups such as the "Black Googler Network" and "Trans at Google," which are intended to inform company policies. This approach stands in contrast to other major tech firms like Meta and Amazon, which have also publicized reductions in their DEI initiatives. Meta announced the cessation of several DEI programs, including recruitment and training, while Amazon indicated it is phasing out programs deemed outdated.

The shift in Google's DEI strategy comes amidst broadened scrutiny from conservative groups, particularly following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated affirmative action in higher education. These measures have sparked broader discussions and reassessments within corporate DEI frameworks. In light of these recent developments, Google's stance reflects a significant paradigm shift concerning corporate social accountability and diversity initiatives within the tech industry.

For full details, refer to the Times of India.