The world’s largest consulting and professional services firm is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) in compliance with an executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump ending federal support for DEI. Deloitte—a member of The Big Four accounting firms—notified its employees through a firm-wide email, reviewed by The National Pulse, stating that while “[e]everyone is welcome at Deloitte… [w]e will sunset our workforce and business aspirational diversity goals, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE) Transparency Report, and our DEI programming.”
However, the consulting firm—which holds a bevy of U.S. government contracts—adds: “Our National Communities, local Inclusion Councils, History & Heritage Month events, and industry-leading learning and development programs will remain open to all our professionals.”
Deloitte’s move marks one of the most significant corporate decisions to end DEI programs to date. According to the firm’s website, Deloitte has committed $1.5 billion to promote equity through initiatives that create social impact, promote sustainability, and build trust in ethical business practices. “At Deloitte, we lead with purpose and DEI to help enact positive change for our people and communities,” the firm’s webpage for U.S. operations states. “By deepening our commitments to social impact, sustainability, equity, and trust, we’re helping to create a more prosperous and equitable society. That’s how we continue to make an impact that matters in the world we share.”
Deloitte’s announcement that it will end its DEI programs follows Trump’s executive order, which directs federal officials to review and overhaul federal contracting processes to block companies from implementing diversity quotas, affirmative action mandates, and other DEI-style policies.
