Google has quietly altered the webpage for its Responsible AI and Human-Centered Technology team, removing references to “diversity” and “equity.” The RAI-HCT team is responsible for researching AI safety, fairness, and explainability.
Previously, the page included terms such as “marginalized communities,” “diverse,” “underrepresented groups,” and “equity” to describe the team’s work. However, these references have been deleted or replaced with broader language such as “all,” “varied,” and “numerous.”
Google has not responded to requests for comment regarding these changes.
The alterations, first spotted by watchdog group The Midas Project, come amid a broader trend of tech companies scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Recently, Google also removed similar language from its Startups Founders Fund grant website and announced plans to eliminate diversity hiring targets while reassessing its DEI programs.
Several major tech firms, including Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI, have similarly walked back DEI commitments. OpenAI, for instance, recently removed references to diversity and inclusion from its hiring practices webpage. Meanwhile, Apple has pushed back against shareholder proposals seeking to end its DEI programs.
The rollback of DEI efforts comes as the Trump administration intensifies scrutiny of corporate diversity initiatives, framing them as potentially “illegal” practices. Many of the companies scaling back DEI programs, including Google, hold contracts with federal agencies, which may factor into their decision-making.
