Global consulting giant Accenture has announced a sweeping rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, signaling a major shift in corporate policy. The move, confirmed by CEO Julie Sweet in an internal memo to employees, follows similar actions by Google and highlights growing scrutiny of workplace diversity initiatives worldwide.

The decision comes as DEI programs face increasing legal and political challenges, particularly in the U.S. While Accenture has framed the shift as an effort to refine its inclusion strategies, reports suggest compliance with regulatory changes may be a key driver—especially given Accenture Federal Services' lucrative contracts with the U.S. government.

Sweet’s memo outlined key changes, including the elimination of global diversity quotas, pausing submission to external DEI benchmarking surveys, and the discontinuation of career development programs designed for specific demographic groups.

Despite these changes, Sweet insisted Accenture remains committed to fairness in the workplace.

“We continue to be a meritocracy where every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive,” she stated, emphasizing that inclusion remains a core company value.

Accenture’s rollback has ignited discussions about whether other multinational corporations will follow suit. While U.S. regulations are shifting, many regions—including Europe and parts of Asia—still maintain strong legal frameworks supporting DEI efforts. The extent to which Accenture’s policy change will affect its global workforce remains unclear, with some analysts predicting regional adaptations based on local laws.

The broader implications of this decision extend beyond Accenture. Experts warn that as companies reassess their DEI programs, the move could set a precedent for scaling back diversity initiatives in industries where inclusion has been a central focus for years.

“This is not just about one company—this is part of a larger trend where businesses are reconsidering how they implement diversity initiatives in a changing legal and political landscape,” said Sarah Liu, managing director of international DEI consultancy TDC Global.

Accenture’s decision follows Google’s recent overhaul of its DEI policies, reflecting a growing corporate retreat from structured diversity efforts. However, not all companies are taking the same approach. Major firms such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Citi are reviewing their policies, but some remain committed to their existing inclusion frameworks.

Meanwhile, organizations in regions with strong DEI commitments—such as the European Union—have indicated they will maintain their diversity targets despite shifting attitudes in the U.S.

As companies navigate political and legal complexities, the future of DEI in the corporate world remains uncertain. Some experts suggest that while formal quotas and structured DEI programs may be scaled back, companies will integrate diversity efforts under broader frameworks such as "workplace culture" and "employee experience" to maintain inclusivity without regulatory risks.

For now, Accenture’s policy shift marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of corporate DEI strategies. Whether this signals the beginning of a widespread retreat from workplace diversity initiatives—or merely a recalibration—remains to be seen.