Diversity Gone? Google Drops DEI from Latest 10-K Filing

In a surprising move, Google has removed mentions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its most recent 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This subtle yet significant change has raised questions about the company’s ongoing commitment to diversity in the tech industry.

The 10-K form, which provides investors with an annual overview of a public company’s financial performance and strategy, previously included statements about Google’s diversity goals and efforts. The removal of such references may signal a strategic shift in how the tech giant prioritizes or presents its DEI initiatives.

This development comes amid growing political and legal scrutiny of DEI programs across corporate America.

What Did Google Change in Its Filing?

In the 2022 10-K filing, Google included detailed references to its diversity programs, such as promoting inclusion, recruiting underrepresented groups, and fostering a fair work environment. However, in its 2023 filing, released in early 2024, all such mentions were removed.

Although Google has not publicly explained the reason for the omission, industry analysts believe the move may reflect a broader trend where companies are becoming more cautious about how they frame DEI efforts in legally binding documents.

SEC.gov 10-K Filings for Alphabet (Google)

Growing Backlash Against Corporate DEI

Over the past year, there has been a national conversation about DEI programs, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to strike down race-conscious admissions in universities. The ripple effect has extended into the private sector, where several companies are reassessing their DEI strategies to avoid legal challenges.

Critics argue that DEI programs sometimes result in reverse discrimination and lack accountability. On the other hand, supporters say they are essential to ensuring equal opportunity and correcting systemic imbalances in hiring, pay, and promotion.

Is Google Backing Away from DEI?

Despite the filing change, Google has maintained a public-facing commitment to diversity. The company’s official blog and corporate website still highlight ongoing initiatives to promote inclusion within its workforce.

A Google spokesperson told media outlets:

“We continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our business. The change in the 10-K language does not reflect a change in our values or strategy.”

Still, DEI advocates are concerned. When a company like Google, often viewed as a trendsetter in Silicon Valley, pulls back language on diversity from key legal documents, it can send a strong signal to the rest of the industry.

Industry Reactions and Expert Opinions

Tech diversity advocates are calling for transparency. Rashad Robinson, President of Color of Change, said:

“We’ve seen this story before. The removal of DEI from public disclosures often leads to the erosion of internal support and resources.”

Some experts believe the move could be an attempt to reduce legal risk. Anne Lipton, a business law professor at Tulane University, noted:

“Companies are increasingly concerned about being sued for either not meeting their DEI targets or for perceived favoritism. Removing DEI from SEC filings may be a way to play it safe.”

Other big tech companies may follow suit. Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft have not yet made similar changes, but observers are watching closely as regulatory and political pressure continues to mount.

What’s the Future of DEI in Tech?

The removal of DEI mentions from official documents like the 10-K doesn’t necessarily mean the end of such programs. However, it may shift how they are publicly reported, funded, and prioritized.

Tech firms are now in a tight spot—balancing investor expectations, legal risks, and internal cultural values. As employee demographics evolve and global competition increases, many argue that inclusion remains vital for innovation.

A 2023 McKinsey study found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. This suggests that DEI isn’t just a moral initiative—it can also be smart business.

Google’s Diversity Report Still Active

It’s worth noting that Google still publishes an annual Diversity Annual Report outside of its 10-K filings. The 2024 edition (released earlier this year) outlines various efforts, such as increasing Black+ representation in leadership and providing resources for employees with disabilities.

Read Google’s most recent Diversity Annual Report

This report is not legally binding like the 10-K, but it still gives stakeholders a picture of the company’s DEI priorities—at least for now.

What Should Employees and Job Seekers Know?

For current and future employees, this change may raise questions. While Google continues to speak positively about DEI, the removal of those terms from an official document might signal less internal accountability or shifting priorities.

Still, Google’s size and influence mean it will remain a key player in how corporate diversity programs evolve in coming years. Whether this change is a symbolic move or a strategic retreat remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts

As political winds shift and legal challenges rise, corporate America is entering a new chapter in how it handles diversity and inclusion. Google’s decision to remove DEI mentions from its 10-K filing is not just a technical change—it may be a harbinger of things to come in the tech world.

For now, all eyes are on whether other tech giants will follow Google’s lead—or double down on their commitments to inclusion.

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