Wells Fargo has quietly removed its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) page and reports from its public-facing website, rebranding its initiatives to focus more on “inclusion and accessibility.” This shift in language marks a significant change in the company’s DEI efforts, which now emphasize neurodiversity, disability inclusion, and support for veterans, according to HR Brew’s review of the company’s site.
Earlier this year, Wells Fargo made headlines by ending the requirement for hiring managers to consider a diverse slate of candidates for upper-level positions, a move that garnered criticism. Despite this, the company did not appear to make any substantial changes to its DEI programming beyond this decision. Additionally, protesters in August demanded that Wells Fargo reinstate this requirement along with its environmental commitments.
In a further move away from its previous DEI framework, Wells Fargo deleted a section of its website that celebrated its historical contributions to diversity, including partnerships with the first national organization for lesbians and support for Japanese-Americans during WWII. The company also removed content detailing its annual DEI reports, racial equity assessments, and pay equity analyses.
The company’s DEI councils, which were designed to help implement diversity initiatives, have not been addressed by Wells Fargo in recent communications. However, employee resource networks (ERGs) appear to still be active.
While Wells Fargo has faced previous scrutiny over its diversity practices, including a 2022 controversy involving performative diversity hiring policies, the rebranding indicates a pivot towards less controversial initiatives. Legal experts note that the focus on veterans, disabled workers, and neurodiversity may reflect a strategy to reduce risk.
Wells Fargo did not respond to requests for comment.
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