Deloitte Asks Employees Working On Government Contracts To Remove Gender Pronouns From Email Signatures As Part Of 'Sunsetting' DEI Efforts

Deloitte is involved in a domino effect of U.S. corporations scaling back their DEI initiatives.

An increasing number of companies are shifting their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts or removing them all together. Google will no longer recognize Black History Month and Pride Month on its calendar, per USA Today, while Disney says it will turn its focus from DEI to business outcomes and values, notes Business Insider.

There is a growing push from conservatives such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, and President Donald Trump. Per ABC News, Trump’s administration believes “DEI creates and then amplifies prejudicial hostility and exacerbates interpersonal conflict.”

However, Christie Smith, former vice president of inclusion and diversity at Apple and C-Suite adviser, told the outlet, “When done right, DEI policies improve employee engagement, reduce turnover, and foster innovation by bringing diverse perspectives to the table. But the impact depends on how well they’re executed. Policies alone don’t change cultures — consistent action and accountability do.”

Nonetheless, companies appear to be aligning themselves with Trump, who recently placed federal employees in DEI roles on paid leave and signed an executive order to that effect on Jan. 20, 2025, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Referencing,” according to an announcement shared by the White House.

Deloitte has now issued an email to its U.S.-based employers that it is going to “sunset” its DEI goals, annual DEI reports, and initiatives, The Times reports. Deloitte shared another update with employees working on government contracts asking them to refrain from using their gender pronouns in email signatures “to align with emerging government client practices and requirements.”

Deloitte’s business in the United Kingdom shared an update with The Times, implying it has no interest in taking the same actions.

“Deloitte UK stands by our stated intention of maintaining a workforce and culture that reflects the diversity of the UK. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that helps all our people thrive and reach their full potential.”