Google has scrapped its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring targets following an annual review of corporate policies. The company is also reassessing other DEI initiatives, signalling a shift in its approach to workplace diversity.
A spokesperson said Google remains committed to an inclusive work environment but is adjusting to legal and regulatory changes.
“We’re committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities,” the spokesperson said. “We’ve updated our annual investor report language to reflect this, and as a federal contractor, our teams are also evaluating changes required following recent court decisions and executive orders.”
The decision comes as President Donald Trump escalates opposition to DEI policies, ordering federal agencies to eliminate such initiatives.
The Wall Street Journal first reported Google’s policy change, noting that its latest investor report no longer includes the commitment to embedding DEI across its operations—a pledge made between 2021 and 2024.
Google had been a strong proponent of DEI, especially after George Floyd’s murder in 2020. CEO Sundar Pichai had set a five-year goal to increase leadership representation from underrepresented groups by 30%. The company said the proportion of Black leaders nearly doubled between 2020 and 2023, while representation of women and Latino employees also grew.
Now, Google joins a growing list of companies scaling back DEI commitments, including Meta, Amazon, Pepsi, McDonald’s, and Walmart.
Apple has pushed back against this trend. Last month, its board urged investors to reject a proposal from the conservative National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) to scrap DEI policies, arguing they posed legal and financial risks.
Companies face increasing legal challenges over DEI. Last week, Target was sued by shareholders, led by the City of Riviera Beach Police Pension Fund in Florida, over claims it misled investors about the risks of its DEI policies. The lawsuit cites a 2023 backlash over LGBTQ+ merchandise, which coincided with a drop in sales and stock value. Target has since announced it is ending DEI hiring targets.
As the political and legal landscape shifts, Google’s decision highlights the growing uncertainty surrounding corporate DEI commitments.
