In a recent and controversial move, Deloitte US has instructed its consultants working with the US government to remove gender pronouns from their email signatures.
This decision aligns with the evolving client policies and the shifting political landscape following the return of Donald Trump as the US President.
However, Deloitte UK has taken a different stance, refusing to scrap its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) rules, signaling a split between the two offices.
Deloitte US Policy Changes
Last week, Deloitte US directed its consultants to remove gender pronouns from their email signatures, citing the need to align with emerging government client practices and requirements.
This move follows a similar decision by Accenture to eliminate global diversity goals and demographic-specific career programs.
The directive comes amid Trump’s executive order aimed at “restoring biological truth to the federal government,” which includes recognizing only two sexes in official documents and messaging.
Deloitte US has also announced that it will “sunset” its diversity goals, yearly DEI reports, and DEI programming.
The company emphasized its commitment to compliance with government regulations, stating, “As a US government contractor, we have a long-standing track record of compliance with new governmental requirements”.
Impact on Employees
The policy changes have raised concerns among employees about the impact on the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Deloitte US had previously set out a range of DEI goals it aimed to meet by 2025, including spending $200 million with Black-led businesses and increasing the gender balance and ethnic diversity of its US partners, principals, and managing directors.
While some initiatives will continue, such as heritage month events and internal ethnic networks, the overall commitment to DEI has been questioned.
Deloitte UK’s Stance
In contrast, Deloitte UK has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity targets and DEI goals.
Richard Houston, the boss of Deloitte UK, informed workers that the UK office will not follow its American counterpart by scrapping DEI goals.
He emphasized that the UK office remains committed to its diversity goals and will continue to report annually on its progress on inclusion.
Houston stated, “Events in the external landscape do not change our commitment to building an inclusive culture“.
Deloitte UK’s decision highlights a divide within the company on how to handle diversity programs, with the UK office standing firm on its DEI commitments while the US office adapts to new government directives.
The split between Deloitte US and Deloitte UK reflects broader corporate challenges in navigating political changes and maintaining DEI commitments.
The corporate backlash against DEI has been growing since Trump’s return to the White House, with several companies reevaluating their diversity policies in response to the changing political climate.
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