Amazon Removes Sections On ‘LGBTQ+ Rights’ And ‘Equity For Black People’ From Its Company Policy

Amazon has changed its company policy and a part of its website that gives employment information. According to The Washington Post, It has removed language that assures protection for Black and LGBTQ+ employees.

The company also removed any language that supported laws addressing misconduct and racial bias in policing, initiatives to protect and expand voting rights, and initiatives to encourage better health and educational opportunities for Black people.

In December 2024, Amazon withdrew any statements advocating for transgender rights protections along with showing “solidarity” with Black employees and customers.

What sections has Amazon removed from the company’s policy?

The “Equity for Black People” and “LGBTQ+ Rights” sections are no longer available in the company’s policy, and any mention of the term “transgender” has been removed. The “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” now says that “inequitable treatment of anyone—including Black people, LGBTQ+ people, Asians, women, and others—is unacceptable.”

The Washington Post reported that the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” page has changed to “Inclusive Experiences and Technology,” and the company’s dedication to “advance DEI through technology” is now a pledge to “advance the employee experience.”

What other changes has Amazon made to its DEI efforts?

Last month, Candi Castleberry, a senior human resources executive at Amazon, sent a memo saying the company was “winding down outdated programs and materials” after analysing hundreds of initiatives, according to Bloomberg.

“Rather than have individual groups build programs, we are focusing on programs with proven outcomes — and we also aim to foster a more truly inclusive culture,” Castleberry said. However, a spokesperson for Amazon refused to share the details the company would make.

However, Bloomberg reported that Amazon would continue to run its affinity groups, such as its employee-led organizations created to hear employees’ concerns and champion Black workers, military veterans, and other groups.

Image: Chesnot