Google’s diversity hiring goals eliminated in broader DEI review

Google is ending its diversity hiring goals and reviewing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, aligning with a broader trend of U.S. companies scaling back such efforts.

Alphabet's Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi informed employees via email on Wednesday that the company would no longer maintain “aspirational goals” for hiring underrepresented groups.

Google had set a 2020 goal to increase leadership representation from underrepresented groups by 30% by 2025, but an Alphabet spokesperson said no updated figures were available. The company’s latest U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing also removed a previous statement about its commitment to DEI.

Google attributed the omission to its ongoing review of DEI programs.

The Alphabet Workers Union criticized the decision, calling it part of a larger anti-worker trend in the tech industry. Google, a federal contractor, is also evaluating policy changes related to DEI following court rulings and executive orders under President Donald Trump.

Other major tech firms, including Meta and Amazon, have also scaled back diversity initiatives. Meta ended its DEI programs in January, while Amazon announced plans to phase out older representation and inclusion programs.

Conservative groups, bolstered by a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in university admissions, have increased legal pressure on companies maintaining such programs.