Salesforce has decided to scrap its diversity hiring targets. The company eliminated specific hiring goals aimed at improving the representation of women and minority groups, along with removing the word “diversity” from its latest annual report filed on Wednesday. This change aligns with a wave of executive orders from former President Donald Trump that sought to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across both the government and the private sector. As one of the largest software vendors for the U.S. government, Salesforce’s move is notable.
In past reports, Salesforce dedicated a section to “Equality, Diversity and Inclusion,” highlighting its efforts to build a varied workforce. Last year, the company reinforced equality as a core value, stressing its commitment to an inclusive environment where all employees can prosper.
However, this latest report reflects a clear shift. The section is now simply called “Equality,” and it no longer outlines any DEI initiatives. Instead, Salesforce emphasizes its adherence to equal-pay and anti-discrimination laws globally, framing compliance as its strategy for maintaining an inclusive workplace.
CEO Marc Benioff has a history of advocating for social issues. He has come out in support of LGBTQ+ employees, stating that the company will protect its employees against discrimination. He has also pushed for higher taxes in San Francisco to fund homeless initiatives and threatened to pull investments from Indiana over an anti-gay law.
Salesforce is not alone in backing away from DEI initiatives. Companies like Amazon, Meta, Google, Target, and Walmart have made similar moves. Recently, Apple indicated it might revise its DEI policies in light of shifting legal and political landscapes. Some of the executive orders aimed at rolling back DEI programs have faced legal challenges.
