Salesforce has announced the discontinuation of its diversity goals in hiring, following a series of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump aimed at eliminating such programs across the federal government and private sector. This follows similar changes brought by Google and Facebook-parent company Meta.
As per a report by Bloomberg, the San Francisco-based software company also removed previous language highlighting diversity and inclusion as a “core value” and references to executive compensation being tied to “employee diversity measures”.
“While we are not specifying representation goals, we remain committed to our core value of equality,” a Salesforce spokesperson stated in its annual financial disclosures, as per Bloomberg.
The company’s updated financial filing reflects a shift in language, emphasising compliance with federal law and promoting a “fair and inclusive environment” while upholding “principles of equality, dignity, and respect for all.”
“Our approach to equality is firmly rooted in compliance with federal law as a US company. By adhering to these laws, we uphold a fair and inclusive environment where our employees can do the best work and teaming of their careers, reinforcing principles of equality, dignity and respect for all,” Salesforce wrote in new language included in the filing.
Trump’s order to end diversity programmes
This decision comes in the wake of Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity initiatives. One order seeks to eliminate diversity hiring within the federal workforce and among government contractors, including Salesforce, a major software vendor to the US government.
Another order directs the government to pressure companies into ending their diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Salesforce’s move aligns with a broader trend of companies, such as Google and Meta, scaling back their DEI initiatives.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, known for his vocal advocacy on social issues, has previously supported initiatives like a San Francisco tax increase to address homelessness and threatened to withdraw investment from Indiana over a discriminatory law.