Google has announced the removal of its diversity-based hiring targets, marking a shift in its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The company also revealed that it is reviewing its DEI initiatives, joining other U.S. businesses that are scaling back similar programs.
In an email to staff, Fiona Cicconi, Alphabet’s chief people officer, explained that the company’s previous “aspirational” hiring goals, set in 2020, would no longer be pursued. These goals aimed to increase representation, particularly in offices outside of California and New York. In 2020, CEO Sundar Pichai had set a target to have 30% of Google’s leadership positions filled by people from underrepresented groups by 2025. However, recent updates on this goal were not provided in Alphabet’s annual filing to the SEC, which also saw the removal of a statement that previously emphasized the company’s commitment to diversity.
Google had been at the forefront of promoting inclusive policies, particularly after the 2020 protests against racial injustice. At the time, the company faced criticism from some within its ranks, including a prominent AI leader, who criticized the diversity efforts. Despite some progress in reaching its goals, such as meeting 60% of its five-year target, Google is now shifting its focus away from setting specific diversity targets.
The move has drawn backlash from some workers and activists, including Parul Koul, president of the Alphabet Workers Union (AWU), who criticized the company’s decision as a setback for progress made in the tech industry. Koul also expressed concerns over broader anti-worker trends, particularly from right-wing groups targeting DEI efforts.
In addition to its internal changes, Google is reviewing its DEI programs in light of recent U.S. court decisions and Executive Orders that have impacted federal contractors’ obligations around diversity initiatives. However, the company will maintain internal employee resource groups, such as “Trans at Google,” “Black Googler Network,” and “Disability Alliance,” which will continue to influence product and policy decisions.
This move aligns with similar actions taken by other major tech companies. Meta Platforms, for example, announced in January that it was ending its DEI programs, and Amazon also signaled a reduction in its diversity efforts.