On December 16, 2024, Candi Castleberry, serving as Amazon’s Vice President of Inclusive Experiences and Technology, released an internal memo sharing that the company intends to gradually discontinue and reassess certain DEI initiatives. This action includes “removing antiquated programs and resources” as a segment of Amazon’s continual strategy to tackle issues of representation and inclusion.
Castleberry clarified that in recent years, Amazon has been assessing its organization-wide programs, each crafted to tackle unique disparities. She noted that these efforts are meant to wrap up once their targeted disparities are rectified. The memo additionally highlighted a transition towards developing programs that are “accessible to everyone” instead of letting distinct groups craft their own initiatives.
Amazon intends to finalize the termination of these “outdated” programs by the close of 2024, weaving DEI work into the company’s existing processes to guarantee enduring outcomes. The emphasis is on nurturing a culture of inclusivity that is naturally embedded in the company’s DNA, rather than being an additional effort.
Amazon aims to complete the discontinuation of these “outdated” programs by the end of 2024, integrating DEI work into the company’s existing processes to ensure greater longevity. The focus is on fostering a culture of inclusivity that is inherently part of the company’s DNA, rather than an added-on effort.
This approach aligns with a broader corporate trend among major companies, including Meta, McDonald’s, and Walmart, which have also scaled back their DEI initiatives in recent years.
Additionally, Amazon has updated its “Our Positions” page, consolidating explicit mentions of specific groups into broader statements on equity and inclusion. For instance, a section that previously stated, “Inequity in the treatment of Black people is unacceptable,” has been revised to, “We believe that inequitable treatment of any individual, including Black, LGBTQ+, Asian, women, and others, is unacceptable. We advocate for policies designed to eliminate barriers to equity and create an inclusive environment for all employees.”
These updates reflect Amazon’s goal of building more inclusive and effective programs that are embedded within the company’s core processes, replacing standalone initiatives.