The move ordered by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg removes the products from all men’s restrooms across offices in Silicon Valley, Texas, and New York. The issue, per a report by the New York Times, reflects broader changes to internal policies at the company that have generated considerable debate among staff.
Previously, these were available in male restrooms for the use of transgender and non-binary employees. However, two said the facilities managers have gotten word in recent weeks to get rid of the items as part of a company-wide policy change.
This decision is part of a larger overhaul of Meta’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Reports say the company has also axed several DEI programs and removed LGBTQ+ themes from its Messenger app. It looks like these changes are a strategic alignment with the political landscape as Meta prepares for the incoming administration in the U.S., which has been vocal about LGBTQ+ issues.
In addition to the DEI changes, Meta has been updating its content moderation policies, choosing to replace its fact-checkers with a new “Community Notes” program. Zuckerberg has defended the shift, saying the old fact-checking system was seen as politically biased.
Meta’s recent moves reflect a wider trend among major companies reassessing their DEI policies in the altered political landscape since the election of President-elect Donald Trump. Employee pushback reveals the continued tug of war between business and social issues, begging the question over the future of such Meta policies.
