Paramount is making significant changes to its diversity policies. The company is stepping back from efforts designed to increase representation in the workplace. This shift reflects a broader trend among businesses, influenced by changing political landscapes.
An internal memo, shared by The Hollywood Reporter, revealed that Paramount will no longer set staffing goals based on race, ethnicity, sex, or gender. They will also stop gathering gender and diversity data from most job applicants in the U.S. Additionally, the company will unlink its employee incentive program from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals. In the memo, executives pointed out that these changes come in response to recent Supreme Court rulings and new federal mandates affecting inclusion practices.
The memo, addressed to employees by co-CEOs Brian Robbins, George Cheeks, and Chris McCarthy, emphasized the importance of having a talented and creative workforce. They stated that while the approach to diversity may change, the core values of inclusivity and collaboration will remain part of Paramount’s culture.
Despite this shift, Paramount plans to continue evaluating its DEI initiatives. They aim to attract talent from various backgrounds and experiences, signaling a desire to keep some focus on diversity, even as they alter existing policies.
This decision aligns with a larger trend among companies revisiting DEI programs as government scrutiny increases. After taking office, former President Trump issued an executive order that rolled back federal DEI efforts. Recently, the Department of Justice announced it would act against companies with “illegal DEI” policies, leaving many businesses reconsidering their diversity initiatives to reduce legal risks.
The timing of the memo also coincides with regulatory reviews of Paramount’s proposed merger with Skydance. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently assessing these policies, especially regarding the shift of broadcast licenses.
Paramount isn’t alone in this re-evaluation. Other major Hollywood companies are making similar changes. Disney recently removed references to its “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative from regulatory filings. This initiative, started in 2021, aimed to support underrepresented voices. Additionally, there are reports that Disney plans to adjust content advisories for classic films, moving them from the beginning of movies to a less prominent informational tab.
Amazon has also scaled back its diversity policies across its film and series divisions, reflecting a trend of retreat from DEI programs in the industry.
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Source linkParamount Global
