Hollywood, California: Paramount is making significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, following a trend of private-sector organizations stepping back from such initiatives under the Trump administration. The company has announced the elimination of staffing goals tied to race, ethnicity, sex, and gender, as well as the cessation of collecting gender and diversity data for most U.S. job applicants. Paramount is also discontinuing the practice of linking its employee incentive program to DEI goals. These adjustments come in response to shifts in government policies and regulatory mandates affecting diversity efforts within the company.
In an internal memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, co-chief executives of Paramount stressed the importance of having a highly talented and creative workforce that reflects the diverse perspectives of the audiences it serves. While values like inclusivity and collaboration remain core to the Paramount culture, the company is reevaluating its DEI programs to attract talent from various backgrounds and perspectives. Paramount’s decision to reexamine its DEI policies mirrors a broader trend among companies in the private sector that are scaling back diversity initiatives due to government opposition and the potential legal risks associated with such programs.
The move by Paramount also coincides with the scrutiny of the company’s proposed merger with Skydance by regulators. FCC commissioner Brendan Carr has expressed concerns about DEI policies in the private sector and has raised questions about the agency’s oversight of the sale, particularly in relation to broadcast licenses. The decision by Paramount to revise its DEI programs is part of a larger pattern observed in Hollywood, with other companies like Disney and Amazon also retreating from diversity initiatives in recent months.
Disney, for example, has scaled back its “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative, which aimed to amplify underrepresented voices in its content. Plans are also underway to change content advisories on classic Disney titles to provide viewers with more information about potentially sensitive themes. Similarly, Amazon has reversed course on division-wide policies focused on boosting diversity in its series and films, reflecting a broader reevaluation of DEI efforts within the entertainment industry.
Overall, Paramount’s decision to adjust its DEI policies underscores the complex dynamics at play in the push for diversity and inclusion in the private sector, highlighting the challenges companies face in navigating legal requirements, regulatory scrutiny, and shifting political landscapes. As organizations continue to grapple with these issues, the future of DEI initiatives remains uncertain, with implications for workforce diversity and corporate culture across various industries.