Deloitte’s US division has directed employees working on government contracts to remove gender pronouns from their email signatures and has discontinued its broader diversity and inclusion initiatives, marking a shift in corporate policies following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
In contrast, the UK arm of the Big Four firm has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity policies. On Tuesday, Deloitte UK’s senior partner and chief executive, Richard Houston, reassured staff that diversity remains a priority despite changes in the US. In an internal memo, Houston emphasised that the firm would maintain its diversity goals and reporting.
The directive in the US applies to consultants working in Deloitte’s 15,000-strong government and public services practice. Employees have been instructed to remove gender pronouns from external emails to align with evolving government client requirements, according to sources familiar with the matter.
An internal email circulated on Monday confirmed that Deloitte US would also phase out its diversity targets, annual diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) reports, and DEI-related programmes. The firm stated the decision followed a review of government directives to ensure compliance.
Deloitte US is the latest corporation to amend policies on politically sensitive issues, following Accenture’s decision last week to abandon global diversity goals and demographic-specific career programmes. Accenture cited an evaluation of the new political landscape in the US as the reason for the policy change.
Trump’s administration has taken a firm stance against gender-related policies. Shortly after his return to office, he signed an executive order directing federal agencies to eliminate references to “gender ideology” from official communications. The order, which seeks to ensure that federal policy recognises only two sexes, also stipulated that government contracts and funding should not be used to promote gender ideology. A White House official previously indicated that federal contracts would be reviewed to ensure compliance with the directive.
Deloitte’s US consultants were given a revised email signature template and instructed to implement it by 7 February. Despite withdrawing DEI-related targets, the firm stated it would continue selected initiatives, such as heritage month events, internal ethnic networks, and inclusion councils. Deloitte US also said it would maintain efforts to ensure hiring practices remain “fair and non-discriminatory.”
In his message to UK staff, Houston reiterated that Deloitte’s stance on inclusion remained unchanged. “Events in the external landscape do not change our commitment to building an inclusive culture and helping all our people to reach their full potential,” he wrote. He acknowledged that the US firm’s decision reflected the need to comply with federal laws while maintaining a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Deloitte US confirmed that guidance on email signatures had been issued to employees in its government practice but declined to comment on its DEI targets.
