In a significant shift, Google has removed 58 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related groups from its U.S. Government Affairs and Public Policy funding list, as revealed in a recent report. The move is part of a larger update that saw 214 organizations removed and 101 added, according to the Tech Transparency Project.
This decision has sparked debate over Google’s ongoing commitment to DEI efforts, especially as it follows broader political and legal changes in the U.S.
The Drop: What We Know
The 58 dropped groups had mission statements featuring terms such as “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion,” “race,” “activism,” and “women.” These are terms that have become increasingly politicized in recent years, particularly under the Trump administration’s stance against federal DEI initiatives.
Google responded by clarifying that this list represents contributions from just one team — the Government Affairs unit — and not the company as a whole. A spokesperson stated that Google’s funding priorities shift annually based on where support can make the greatest impact.
📊 DEI Group Funding Update at a Glance
| Category | Number of Organizations |
|---|---|
| Total groups removed from list | 214 |
| New groups added to list | 101 |
| DEI-related groups removed | 58 |
| Example of long-time funded group cut | National Network to End Domestic Violence |
Why Is Google Pulling Back?
photo credit :- latimes
This isn’t the first signal of Google stepping back from DEI commitments. In early 2025, following federal changes under the Trump administration, Google ended its DEI-related hiring goals due to its status as a federal contractor. The company cited the cost of compliance and a need to refocus investment on AI and other core priorities.
Groups removed from the list include:
- African American Community Service Agency
- Latino Leadership Alliance
- Enroot, which supports immigrant youth
- National Network to End Domestic Violence, which had been funded by Google for at least nine years
Google confirmed it still donated $75,000 to the domestic violence organization in 2024, even though it no longer appears on the public list.
The Bigger Picture
The move comes at a time when DEI programs are facing rising scrutiny across the U.S., particularly after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions in 2023. Many companies are continuing similar work under different names, replacing “DEI” with terms like “learning,” “hiring,” or “talent development.”
Despite these changes, Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized during a March all-hands meeting that diversity remains a core value. He stated, “We’re a global company… and the best way to serve users worldwide is by having a workforce that reflects that diversity.”
Conclusion
Google’s decision to drop over 50 DEI-related groups from its government funding list highlights a shifting landscape for corporate diversity efforts. While the company insists this move doesn’t reflect its overall contributions, it signals how legal pressures, political changes, and financial priorities are reshaping how major firms approach inclusion.
As DEI becomes an increasingly sensitive topic, organizations like Google are redefining their strategies — not always visibly, but certainly deliberately.
