Amazon.com Inc.  , is halting some of its diversity and inclusion initiatives, a shift that coincides with activist force on , U. S.  , firms to leave efforts to build a more diversified workplace.
In a letter to people,  , Candi Castleberry, a mature human resources professional, said last month that Amazon was “winding down outdated plans and components” as part of a review of lots of efforts, including ones that had completed their work. The group anticipated to finish the merger by the year 2024.
” Rather than have specific groups build programs, we are focusing on programs with proven outcomes— and we also aim to develop a more certainly diverse society”, wrote Castleberry, Amazon’s vice chairman of Diverse eXperiences and Technology. Her prior title, vice president of global diversity, equity and inclusion, changed with the name of the organization in 2023.
The organization changes Castleberry’s made, according to an Amazon spokesman, were not disclosed in detail. The business continues to run affinity groups, which are employee-led initiatives that seek to address issues involving women, Black workers, and veterans of the military, among other causes. Amazon is the second largest private , U. S.  , employer, behind , Walmart Inc.
The overhaul comes as anti-DE I crusader , Robby Starbuck , racks up victories in a push to get corporate America to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs entirely. Companies including , Walmart , and , Boeing Co.  , have announced that they’re scrapping or stepping back from their initiatives.
Meta Platforms Inc.  , a company that confirmed on Friday that it would be phasing out many of its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.  , Harley-Davidson Inc.,  , Ford Motor Co.  , and , Deere &, Co., meanwhile, are among companies that have said they will more tightly focus their employee resource groups on business purposes and ensure they are open to all employees.
The incoming , U. S.  , presidential administration is expected to be hostile to such initiatives, with some allies of President-elect , Donald Trump , charging that they amount to discrimination against White workers.
Amazon’s” Our Positions” web page – a clearinghouse of the company’s stances on social and political issues – recently eliminated specific sections titled Equity for Black people and LGBTQ+ rights. These changes were reported earlier on Friday by The Information.
The updated page breaks down these topics into three paragraphs on diversity, equity, and inclusion, stating that Amazon is “focused on building the best range of products and services for our broad customer base.” According to the statement, unfair treatment of anyone is unacceptable.
The website was made clear of any specific mentions of Amazon’s support for legislation to codify transgender rights, efforts to expand voting rights, and other issues.
” We update this page from time to time to ensure that it reflects updates we’ve made to various programs and positions”, spokesperson , Kelly Nantel , said in an emailed statement.
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