Paramount became the latest major company to backtrack on DEI policies on Wednesday following President Trump’s drive to eliminate programs countrywide.
An internal memo from Paramount’s co-chief executives Brian Robbins, George Cheeks and Chris McCarthy, which was obtained by TheWrap, stated the studio is making changes to the company’s diversity programs to line up with Trump’s wishes.
Despite the decision to no longer set hiring goals related to race, ethnicity, sex or gender, the memo stated, “Values like inclusivity and collaboration are a part of the Paramount culture and will continue to be. ”
Paramount is facing a $20 billion lawsuit from the president for a disputed pre-election “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. It also needs the approval of the FCC — new chief Brendan Carr has been leading the charge with DEI investigations — for the studio’s upcoming merger with Skydance.
One of the many executive orders Trump signed on his Jan. 20, his first day back in office, was titled “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.”
So far, several entertainment companies, including PBS, have agreed to dismantle their diversity policies. However, on Friday, a federal judge, Baltimore’s Judge Adam Abelson, blocked the president’s order to withdraw funding from programs promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
On Tuesday, Apple shareholders rejected the anti-DEI proposal which originated with conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research.
Here is the Paramount note in full:
To mark the close of 2024, we wanted to update you on certain policy changes we are making. As you may be aware, the current Administration’s Executive Order, a Supreme Court decision, and federal mandates require changes in the way the company approaches inclusion moving forward. As a result, some of our policies must change to comply with these new mandates, including:
Staffing Goals: We will no longer set or use aspirational numerical goals related to the race, ethnicity, sex or gender of hires. We continue to welcome talent of all backgrounds.
Gender and Diversity Data: We have ended our policy of collecting race, ethnicity, sex or gender data for U.S. job applicants on our forms and careers page, except in those markets that legally require us to do so.
In addition, we have eliminated the “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” qualitative metric in our Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) for qualified participants. This metric directly connected 5% of funding for our STIP program to the company’s success in progress on companywide DEI initiatives, including aspirational representation goals. We now base 10% of STIP funding on our Workforce Culture and Development qualitative metric, which is focused on building a high-performing and inclusive culture, including through developing leadership and engaging our workforce.
With our business objectives firmly in mind, we will continue to evaluate our programs and approach to ensure that we are widening our aperture to attract talent from all geographies, backgrounds and perspectives. That may mean expanding existing programs while ending others. As our policies continue to evolve in the future, we will be sure to share those updates with you.
To be the best storytellers and to continue to drive success, we must have a highly talented, dedicated and creative workforce that reflects the perspectives and experiences of our many different audiences. Values like inclusivity and collaboration are a part of the Paramount culture and will continue to be.
Best,
George, Chris and Brian
The New York Times first reported this story.