Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative Shifts Focus, Ends DEI Programs

The Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), co-founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, has announced a significant shift in its operational focus, resulting in the termination of its internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This change also includes the cessation of "social advocacy funding" which previously supported grants for racial equity and immigration reforms. The decision, communicated to employees via email by CZI's Chief Operating Officer Marc Malandro, aims to realign CZI with its core mission as a science philanthropy.

In the wake of these changes, CZI has discontinued its Science Diversity Leadership Awards. This program had been pivotal in supporting diversity in science, providing $1.5 million to researchers annually. Additionally, the organization has ended its Diverse Slate Practice, which ensured diverse candidates were interviewed for all open positions—an initiative that promoted diversity in hiring practices.

"Given the shifting regulatory and legal landscape, we will no longer have a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility team at CZI." – Marc Malandro

The announcement of these changes comes just weeks after Meta, Zuckerberg's primary venture, eliminated its own DEI programs. However, Mark Gundacker, who oversees Human Resources at CZI, reassured employees that these organizational shifts at Meta do not impact operations at CZI.

With the new direction, CZI plans to concentrate its resources on issuing grants focused on "biology and AI." This strategic redirection seeks to better align the initiative with its foundational goal of being a science-centric philanthropic body.

"align with our focus as a science philanthropy" – Marc Malandro

The announcement of these changes has sparked concern among some employees regarding the organization's commitment to its initial values. Many staff members had previously been assured that CZI would continue supporting DEI efforts. The timing of this shift—following closely on the heels of Meta's similar move—has fueled apprehension about the future trajectory of CZI's mission and values.