Amazon is "winding down" some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to a memo sent to employees last month. The move comes as the company shifts its focus towards building inclusive experiences and technology, citing the need for a more integrated approach.

The memo, sent by Candi Castleberry, Amazon's VP of inclusive experiences and technology, stated that the company has been evaluating its programs across the organization, each of which "addresses a specific disparity, and is designed to end when that disparity is eliminated." Castleberry noted that Amazon aims to complete the discontinuation of some of these "outdated" programs by the end of 2024.

The news comes on the heels of Meta's decision to disband its diversity team, citing the changing "legal and policy landscape" in the US. Other corporations, including McDonald's and Walmart, are also scaling back their DEI programs. The trend raises questions about the future of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the corporate world.

Amazon's approach, according to Castleberry, is to move away from separate programs and instead integrate its work into existing processes, making them more durable and "built-in." This shift towards "born inclusive" experiences is seen as a natural evolution of the company's efforts to create a more inclusive environment for employees and customers alike.

The company has also removed sections from its "Our Positions" page, which outlines its stance on various political and social issues. The updated page now features a single sentence stating that inequitable treatment of anyone is unacceptable, and that Amazon advocates for policies designed to remove barriers to equity and create an inclusive environment for all employees.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel attributed the changes to the company's periodic updates to its programs and positions. However, the move has sparked concerns about the potential impact on diversity and inclusion efforts within the organization.

As the tech industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusion, Amazon's decision to wind down its DEI programs serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned initiatives can evolve and change over time. The question remains whether this shift towards "built-in" inclusivity will ultimately benefit or hinder diversity and inclusion efforts in the long run.

With the tech industry facing increasing scrutiny over its handling of diversity and inclusion, Amazon's move is likely to be closely watched by observers and competitors alike. As the company continues to navigate the complex landscape of representation and inclusion, its approach will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole.