Alex Cohen’s social media post about Meta’s recent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) cuts has gone viral, drawing attention from notable figures like Elon Musk.
Following Meta’s announcement that it would disband its DEI programs, Cohen, the founder of Hello Patient, shared on X (formerly Twitter): “I was fired from Meta today. I created the policy that provided tampons in all the men’s restrooms. I was shocked to see my role eliminated as part of the DEI cuts. The work I was doing was crucial for our company culture. I know I’ll land on my feet and come back stronger. Onwards!”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to the post with a laughing emoji, adding fuel to the ongoing discussion.
What Are DEI Job Cuts?
Meta recently announced a major shift in its policies, confirming the dismantling of its DEI initiatives. According to an internal memo (via Axios) from Janelle Gale, Meta’s vice president of human resources, the decision reflects changes in the legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity efforts in the U.S.
The memo stated: “The Supreme Court of the United States has recently made decisions signaling a shift in how courts will approach DEI. … The term ‘DEI’ has also become charged, partly because it’s seen by some as promoting preferential treatment of certain groups.”
Meanwhile, a report from The New York Times revealed that Meta has ordered the removal of tampons from men’s restrooms in its Silicon Valley, Texas, and New York offices. These supplies were originally provided to accommodate non-binary and transgender employees.