Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Faces Major Changes in Diversity Focus
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the charitable entity established by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, is undergoing significant changes by disbanding its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) team and ceasing funding for social advocacy efforts. This news was shared with staff through an internal communication and mirrors a recent decision by Meta, Zuckerberg’s tech company, which has also terminated its DEI initiatives.
Reasons Behind the Disbandment of the DEIA Team
According to reports from The Guardian, CZI’s chief operating officer, Marc Malandro, indicated in a message to employees that changes in regulations and legal frameworks were the driving factors for the closure of the DEIA team. The organisation is also putting an end to its Diverse Slate Practice, which aimed to ensure that candidates from various backgrounds were taken into account for job vacancies.
Shift to Science Philanthropy and Concerns
This transformation aligns with CZI’s renewed emphasis on scientific philanthropy, particularly focusing on biology and artificial intelligence (AI), Malandro explained. This decision has raised alarms amongst staff, especially given that Meta has recently executed similar strategies, triggering assumptions that CZI is conforming to the political landscape established during the administration of former President Donald Trump.
Discontinuation of Social Advocacy Programs
CZI has also decided to halt various social advocacy programmes, which included projects centred on immigration reform and racial equity. While some long-term grants will continue to be honoured, Malandro specified that none will be directed towards political activism.
Cancellation of Science Diversity Leadership Awards
Moreover, the Science Diversity Leadership awards, which provided $1.15 million in grants to support underrepresented researchers, have been abruptly terminated. Candidates who anticipated outcomes this month have been informed that the programme will be discontinued, with no formal rationale provided.
Changes Made to CZI’s Website
The organisation’s website has been modified to eliminate any references to corporate diversity, economic inclusion, and efforts towards racial equity. Statements reaffirming CZI’s commitment to diversity in scientific research have been removed, and pages featuring the diverse backgrounds of employees are no longer accessible.
Reactions to the Changes at CZI
These developments come in light of Meta’s recent termination of DEI programmes, leading to growing internal apprehension that CZI would take a similar path. Even after previous assurances from CZI’s senior human resources executive that changes at Meta would not affect CZI, the organisation has now contradicted those promises.
Employees have also voiced worry over the disbandment of the community team, which was dedicated to issues related to affordable housing and economic inclusion. The team leader is expected to depart next month, and mentions of inclusive work have been eliminated from CZI’s online presence.
