Google has announced that it will no longer have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring targets, citing its status as a federal contractor and recent court decisions and US Executive Orders on the topic. This move marks a significant shift in the company's approach to DEI initiatives, which have been a key focus area for Google in recent years.

In a memo to employees, Google's head of HR, Fiona Cicconi, explained that the company will "carefully evaluate" other DEI initiatives across the company that "raise risk" or "aren't as impactful as we'd hoped." This evaluation will be led by Melonie Parker and her team, who will work with senior leaders across the company to update programs as needed.

Google's decision to abandon DEI hiring goals comes on the heels of similar moves by other big tech companies, including Meta and Amazon. The company's spokesperson, Chloe Cooper, emphasized that Google remains "committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities." However, the company's approach to achieving this goal will now take a different form.

In 2020, Google publicly set a goal to increase "leadership representation of underrepresented groups" by 30 percent, which it achieved in 2022. However, with the Trump administration's focus on ending DEI programs across America, Google has been forced to reevaluate its approach. The company's annual SEC reports will no longer include a statement committing to making diversity, equity, and inclusion part of everything it does.

Despite the changes, Google's central Employee Resource Groups will remain, as will its work with colleges and universities, and its work to build products to help all users and partners. These initiatives will continue to play a vital role in the company's business and Googler community.

The shift in Google's approach to DEI initiatives raises important questions about the role of big tech companies in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how companies will adapt to changing regulatory landscapes and societal expectations.

For more information on this story, read the full memo from Google's head of HR, Fiona Cicconi, and stay tuned for further updates on the implications of this move for the tech industry.