Google Quietly Removes ‘Diversity’ and ‘Equity’ from Responsible AI Team Webpage
Google has quietly made changes to its Responsible AI and Human-Centered Technology (RAI-HCT) team’s webpage, removing direct mentions of terms like "diversity" and "equity." This team plays a crucial role in researching AI safety, fairness, and transparency, but the recent edits suggest a shift in how the company presents its commitment to inclusion.
Previously, the page used words like "marginalized communities," "diverse," "underrepresented groups," and "equity" to describe the team’s mission. Now, those terms have been either removed or replaced with broader, more neutral language—for example, using "all," "varied," or "numerous" instead of "diverse."
When asked for a statement, Google did not immediately respond.
Date: Feb 26 - March 6, 2025
Company: @Google
Change: Scrubbed mentions of diversity and equity from the mission description of their Responsible AI team. pic.twitter.com/i9VvBcHMQ6
The change was first noticed by The Midas Project, a watchdog group that monitors corporate accountability. This isn't the first time Google has quietly revised its language. Earlier this year, the company also removed similar diversity-focused language from its Startups Founders Fund grant website. Additionally, in February, Google announced it would be eliminating diversity hiring targets and reviewing its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs.
Google is not alone in this shift. Many major tech companies have started scaling back DEI initiatives amid growing political pressure. The Trump administration has criticized DEI-focused programs, calling them "illegal" hiring practices. As a result:
- Amazon and Meta have recently rolled back DEI measures.
- OpenAI quietly removed mentions of diversity and inclusion from its hiring practices webpage.
- Apple, on the other hand, pushed back against shareholder efforts to end its DEI programs.
Despite these changes, one thing remains clear: Many of these companies, including Google, hold contracts with federal agencies. Their decisions around diversity and inclusion will likely continue to be closely watched—both by regulators and the public.
This shift raises an important question: Is this a necessary business decision or a quiet retreat from inclusivity efforts?
