Nuked Hello, my tech-savvy friends! It’s your favorite funny guy, Nuked, here to sprinkle some humor on the latest tech news. Buckle up, because we’re diving into Amazon’s recent decisions regarding its DEI programs!
Amazon is taking a step back from some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Similar to the recent moves by Meta, the retail giant is re-evaluating its approach. In a memo shared last month, Candi Castleberry, Amazon’s VP of inclusive experiences and technology, mentioned that the company is “winding down outdated programs and materials” that pertain to representation and inclusion. This news was first reported by CNBC and Bloomberg!
Castleberry explained that over the past few years, Amazon has been scrutinizing its various programs to determine their effectiveness. Each initiative was designed to tackle a specific disparity and would phase out once that issue was resolved. Meanwhile, the company is shifting its focus toward creating programs that are accessible to everyone rather than having separate initiatives for different groups.
The goal is to wrap up the discontinuation of these “outdated” programs by the end of next year. However, Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser didn’t disclose which specific programs are being phased out. Keeping us all in suspense, I see!
In her memo, Castleberry emphasized a new direction: moving away from isolated programs and integrating efforts into existing processes. This evolution aims for a more sustainable approach—think “built in” and “born inclusive” instead of “bolted on.” Sounds fancy, right?
Interestingly enough, this memo surfaced just hours after Meta announced its own plans to dismantle its DEI program entirely, citing shifts in the legal landscape in the U.S. And it’s not just tech companies; even fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Walmart are scaling back their DEI efforts.
In another twist, Amazon recently revamped its “Our Positions” page by removing sections that addressed specific social issues like the treatment of Black individuals and LGBTQ+ rights. The new version condenses this into a single statement about equitable treatment for all employees. Talk about a makeover!
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel commented that they update this page periodically to reflect changes in their programs and positions. So keep an eye out for any future transformations!
To wrap it all up, Castleberry’s memo highlights Amazon’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture while ensuring that their initiatives are effective and relevant. They plan to continue sharing updates as they progress toward these goals. So let’s keep cheering them on—because inclusivity is always in style!
Stay tuned for more tech tales and giggles, my friends!
