Paramount Global has announced the termination of several diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in response to an executive order by President Donald Trump. According to a memo obtained by CNBC, the company stated it would comply with the directive banning such practices within federal agencies and requiring investigations into private companies’ DEI programs. Co-CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins pointed to the executive order, Supreme Court rulings, and federal mandates as reasons for the policy shift.
The company will no longer establish or utilize numerical goals tied to race, ethnicity, sex, or gender in hiring processes. Additionally, Paramount has ceased collecting demographic data from U.S. job applicants unless legally mandated. The memo emphasized that inclusivity and collaboration remain integral to the company’s culture, and Paramount will continue to seek talent from diverse backgrounds.
Paramount has previously engaged in significant DEI efforts, including donations to racial justice initiatives and the establishment of programs like Content for Change and an Office of Global Inclusion. Despite this, the company joins others such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon in scaling back DEI initiatives. Meanwhile, companies like Apple and Costco have reaffirmed their commitment to DEI despite pressure from the Trump administration.
Other media organizations, including Disney and PBS, have also adjusted their DEI strategies in response to the executive order. The Federal Communications Commission has begun scrutinizing Comcast’s DEI practices, with the company pledging cooperation.
Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC. — news fromCNBC