In his note to employees, which was first reported by Axios, external and confirmed by the BBC, Meta referred to the Supreme Court ruling, also noting that the term “DEI” had become “accused”.
He said he will continue to seek a diverse workforce, but will end his current approach of choosing from a pool of diverse candidates.
Major banks and investment groups, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock, have also pulled out of groups focused on climate change risks.
The moves hastened a retreat that began two years ago as Republicans have stepped up their attacks on firms like BlackRock and Disneyaccusing them of “awakened” progressive activism and threatening political reprisals.
Major brands like Bud Light and Target have also faced backlash and boycotts over their efforts to appeal to LGBTQ customers.
Many of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, known as DEI, have been implemented since the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in 2020 following the police killing of George Floyd.
Recent court decisions have bolstered critics of the programs, who have said they are discriminatory.
Supreme Court in 2023 revoked the right of private universities to address race in admissions decisions.
Another appeals court ruling invalidated Nasdaq’s policy that required listed companies on the stock exchange to have at least one racial minority or LGBTQ woman on its board of directors, or to explain why not.
He said he would also end efforts to work with suppliers that are “diverse,” but would instead focus on small and medium-sized companies.
It also plans to stop offering “equity and inclusion” training and instead offer programs that “reduce bias for everyone, regardless of your background.”
Meta refused to comment on the note, the news of which was immediately met with both criticism and joy.
“I’m sitting back and enjoying every second of it,” said conservative activist Robbie Starbuck, who took credit for a successful campaign against the policies of companies such as Ford, John Deere and Harley-Davidson.
