WPP, one of the world’s largest advertising and communications firms, has decided to remove explicit references to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from its corporate language amid growing political and societal scrutiny. This move reflects a broader trend among global corporations re-evaluating their DEI strategies in response to changing external pressures.

The decision by WPP comes at a time when several companies, including Google, Amazon, and Salesforce, are rolling back or modifying their DEI policies. These changes often stem from political developments, such as the executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2025 to end federal DEI programs. This directive has triggered a ripple effect across industries, prompting organizations to reassess their approaches to diversity-related initiatives.

While WPP has removed explicit DEI language, it continues to emphasize inclusivity and anti-racism efforts. The company has maintained initiatives aimed at fostering a diverse workforce and creating equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups. For instance, WPP’s commitment to anti-racism includes measurable goals for improving Black representation at all levels of staffing and leadership.

WPP’s decision aligns with a growing trend among corporations shifting their focus from traditional DEI frameworks to broader concepts like “belonging” or “equality.” Companies such as Walmart have replaced the term “DEI” with “belonging,” while others have scaled back specific diversity goals and initiatives. For example:
Google removed references to DEI from its annual report and is re-evaluating programs that may pose risks or lack impact.

Amazon has wound down certain DEI policies while altering its public language on diversity commitments.
Meta has disbanded its internal DEI team and ceased commitments to minority-owned suppliers.
These rollbacks are often accompanied by a reframing of corporate values that focus on inclusivity without explicitly using DEI terminology.

The rollback of DEI policies is occurring against a backdrop of increasing political polarization surrounding diversity initiatives. Critics argue that some DEI programs may inadvertently create divisions or fail to deliver measurable results. Supporters, however, maintain that these efforts are essential for addressing systemic inequities and fostering workplace inclusion.

For WPP, the decision to modify its language reflects an attempt to navigate these complex dynamics while preserving its core values. The company continues to invest in programs that promote diversity and inclusion but seeks to avoid potential backlash associated with politically charged terminology.

As companies like WPP adapt their approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the emphasis is shifting toward creating meaningful impact rather than adhering strictly to labels. This evolution underscores the need for organizations to balance internal goals with external pressures while maintaining transparency and accountability.

WPP’s move signals an important shift in how corporations approach inclusivity in an increasingly polarized environment. By retaining its commitment to anti-racism and equitable practices while updating its language, WPP aims to align its strategies with evolving societal expectations.

WPP’s decision to drop explicit DEI language highlights the challenges faced by corporations in navigating political headwinds while staying true to their values. As debates around diversity continue, companies must find innovative ways to foster inclusion without compromising their reputations or alienating stakeholders.

Key Highlights:

• WPP removes explicit DEI language amid political scrutiny but retains inclusivity-focused initiatives.
• The move aligns with broader industry trends as companies like Google and Amazon scale back DEI policies.
• Political polarization surrounding diversity efforts influences corporate strategies globally.
• WPP emphasizes meaningful impact over terminology in navigating societal expectations.