Paramount is taking steps back from its DEI policies.
In a news release shared with AFROTECH™, the company says it will adhere to President Trump’s executive orders, resulting in a shift in how it approaches inclusion within the company. Just two days after being inaugurated into office, Donald Trump signed an executive order to end “illegal DEI” (diversity, equity, and inclusion) to protect “civil rights and merit-based opportunity,” as seen within its title. The order includes removing DEI-related factors as a consideration in federal hiring, promotions, and performance reviews. Additionally, his plan proposes placing federal employees in DEI roles on paid leave while dismantling DEI-focused initiatives, offices, and programs, as AFROTECH™ previously reported.
“Every man and woman should have the opportunity to go as far as their hard work, individual initiative, and competence can take them. In America, excellence, grit, and determination is our strength,” according to a White House press release statement.
Several companies have followed suit to redirect their policies to align with the White House’s agenda. Some have received pressure from conservative groups to remove DEI policies. At this time, companies including Costco and Apple are upholding their DEI stance while Meta, Walmart, Amazon, and, most recently, Paramount have retracted their efforts.
Paramount has stated factors such as race, ethnicity, sex, or gender will no longer be applied to numerical goals. The company has also eliminated policies requiring the collection of demographic data from U.S.-based job applications, except where legally mandated. Additionally, Paramount has removed DEI as a qualitative metric from its Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP), which previously accounted for 5% of funding toward representation goals. Instead, the company will allocate 10% of its STIP to a new Workforce Culture and Development metric focusing on inclusion and performance.
“With our business objectives firmly in mind, we will continue to evaluate our programs and approach to ensure that we are widening our aperture to attract talent from all geographies, backgrounds, and perspectives,” Paramount said in a press release. “That may mean expanding existing programs while ending others. As our policies continue to evolve in the future, we will be sure to share those updates with you. ”
It added, “To be the best storytellers and to continue to drive success, we must have a highly talented, dedicated, and creative workforce that reflects the perspectives and experiences of our many different audiences. Values like inclusivity and collaboration are a part of the Paramount culture and will continue to be. ”
