Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly blames former Executive Sheryl Sandberg for the company’s inclusivity initiative, signaling a significant shift in the tech giant’s approach to diversity policies.
At a Glance
- Zuckerberg attributes Meta’s inclusivity initiative to former COO Sheryl Sandberg
- Stephen Miller met with Zuckerberg at Mar-a-Lago, discussing immigration and DEI policies
- Meta announces the abolition of its DEI policy following the meeting
- Changes at Meta were previewed to Miller before official announcement
- Meta cites changing legal landscape and charged nature of “DEI” term for policy shift
Zuckerberg’s Shift and Sandberg’s Legacy
In a surprising turn of events, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly attributing responsibility for the company’s inclusivity initiative to former Executive Sheryl Sandberg. This revelation comes amidst a broader reset at the tech giant, which includes new guidelines and layoffs.
Sandberg, who played a significant role in Meta’s development, was instrumental in implementing the inclusivity initiative. However, recent developments suggest a departure from these policies, reflecting a potential alignment with more conservative principles.
Miller’s Influence and Mar-a-Lago Meeting
The shift in Meta’s stance appears to be influenced by a meeting between Zuckerberg and Stephen Miller at Mar-a-Lago in late 2024. Miller, a powerful figure in the Trump administration serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Adviser, has been known for his strong stance on immigration policies.
The meeting between Miller and Zuckerberg reportedly involved discussions on the Trump administration’s position on immigration and DEI policies. Following this encounter, Meta announced the abolition of its DEI policy, a decision that was previewed to Miller before being officially announced by Zuckerberg.
Meta’s decision to abolish its DEI policy was influenced by recent Supreme Court decisions and the increasingly charged nature of the term “DEI.” Janelle Gale, VP of Human Resources at Meta, explained the company’s position in a memo to employees.
“The legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing,” Janelle Gale told employees in a Friday memo obtained by Axios.
Gale further elaborated on the reasoning behind the policy shift, citing recent Supreme Court decisions and public perception of DEI initiatives.
“The Supreme Court of the United States has recently made decisions signaling a shift in how courts will approach DEI,” Gale wrote. “The term ‘DEI’ has also become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others,” Gale added.
Reorganization and Future Direction
As part of this shift, Meta is undergoing significant internal changes. Maxine Williams, previously Meta’s Chief Diversity Officer, will transition to a role focused on accessibility and engagement. This move signals a broader reorganization within the company, aligning with Zuckerberg’s vision for a reset with new guidelines.
The changes at Meta reflect a complex interplay of corporate governance, political influence, and shifting societal attitudes towards diversity and inclusion policies. As the tech giant navigates these changes, the impact on its internal culture and public perception remains to be seen.
Facebook is sane again!