Google Ends DEI Goals Amid Legal And Political Changes

In a major change in policy, Alphabet Inc.'s Google has said it will end its diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring and representation efforts following recent legal and political changes across the United States, such as Supreme Court rulings, executive orders, and rethinking corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in many areas, according to an internal memo obtained by ESG Today.

The memo, authored by Google’s Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi, acknowledged that the company’s new stance aligns with its responsibilities as a federal contractor, as well as evolving U.S. regulations and judicial decisions. Cicconi emphasized that while Google will continue investing in diversity-related initiatives across the U.S. and internationally, it will no longer maintain aspirational hiring and representation goals.

This marks a deviation from Google's long period of leading in DEI efforts. The tech giant first set DEI targets in 2009, emerging as one of the pioneers in Silicon Valley's push for more inclusive workplaces. In 2020, Google expanded its commitment by pledging to increase leadership representation from underrepresented groups by 30% by 2025. In its 2023 diversity report, the company proudly announced that it had already met this target. However, the landscape surrounding DEI has changed dramatically, prompting Google to reassess its policies.

A key trigger event was a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2023, which annulled race-based affirmative action policies for admissions into Harvard University. The ruling unleashed new scrutiny of race-conscious DEI efforts in higher education and business. Increasingly, with executive decisions from former President Donald Trump, who rescinded DEI preferencing on federal contracting, companies are reassessing these programs operating in the United States.

Cicconi noted that Google’s decision was part of a broader trend among major corporations navigating these new legal and political dynamics. “Given our position as a federal contractor, we are evaluating changes to comply with recent court decisions and U.S. Executive Orders on this topic,” she wrote in the memo.

The impact of these changes is already visible in Google’s corporate documentation. The company’s parent entity, Alphabet, removed a strong statement of support for DEI from its 2024 10K annual report. The 2023 version had explicitly highlighted Google’s commitment to making diversity, equity, and inclusion part of its operational ethos and workforce development strategies. The absence of this declaration from the 2024 report underscores the company’s evolving stance.

Despite this shift, Cicconi sought to reassure employees that Google remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. “We’ve always been committed to creating a workplace where we hire the best people wherever we operate, create an environment where everyone can thrive, and treat everyone fairly. That’s exactly what you can expect to see going forward,” she stated.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the tech and business sectors. While some view it as a pragmatic move to align with regulatory changes, others have expressed concerns about potential setbacks in fostering diversity within the company. DEI advocates worry that the absence of formal goals may slow progress in achieving equitable representation, particularly in leadership roles.

Google’s decision reflects a broader conversation taking place across the U.S. corporate landscape. Several companies have recently scaled back DEI initiatives, citing legal and political pressures. This trend has raised questions about the future of diversity efforts in the private sector and whether organizations can maintain momentum without explicit targets.

The evolving regulatory environment has prompted companies to adopt more cautious approaches, seeking to strike a balance between compliance and sustaining inclusive practices. Legal experts suggest that businesses may need to explore alternative methods to promote diversity, such as focusing on outreach, mentorship programs, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures without relying on specific hiring targets.

Despite these challenges, Google reiterated its commitment to creating a fair and supportive workplace for employees across its global operations. Cicconi emphasized that the company’s mission to “hire the best people” and “create an environment where everyone can thrive” remains unchanged. How Google and other companies navigate the evolving landscape of DEI will likely shape the future of diversity and inclusion efforts in the corporate world.

As Google moves forward with its revised approach, industry observers will be closely watching to see how the company continues to foster innovation and inclusivity while adapting to a rapidly changing legal and political environment.