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Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, opting to reframe its efforts under the term “Inclusion.”
The company said the shift better aligns with its focus across its workforce, industry, and content, reflecting evolving legal and cultural landscapes.
In a staff memo, WBD’s Chief People and Culture Officer Jennifer Remling and Chief Inclusion Officer Asif Sadiq reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering a diverse and representative workforce while updating how those efforts are communicated internally and externally.
“Our success absolutely depends on having a team that’s truly diverse, reflects all perspectives, and has a culture where our employees feel valued and respected,” it said.
The move follows recent similar decisions by other major corporations, including Paramount and Disney, as companies reassess their DEI strategies in response to increasing scrutiny and regulatory changes under the Trump administration.
Refining approach to DEI
The review of WBD’s DEI initiatives, first announced at a company town hall in January, has resulted in several key updates. The company will continue prioritizing inclusive storytelling across film and television, investing in employee development, and supporting Business Resource Groups to foster community and belonging.
Additionally, WBD said its recruitment and training programs will remain a central component of its strategy to cultivate talent from diverse backgrounds.
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Some elements of those DEI programs, however, are being revised. The company will no longer participate in third-party workplace surveys but will continue collecting internal data to ensure its workforce reflects the audiences it serves. It is also introducing a more consistent application process for talent programs, including internships and mentoring, with an emphasis on equal opportunity.
“Inclusion” will now serve as the overarching term for these initiatives, with WBD making updates to its corporate website and internal communications to reflect this language change.
Corporate DEI policies under scrutiny
The rebranding of DEI efforts at WBD comes amid broader changes in corporate America, where businesses are reassessing diversity policies in response to legal and political pressures. Trump’s administration firmly opposes corporate DEI initiatives, issuing executive orders, singling out individuals and organisations, and launching investigations into related programs.
Despite the changes, WBD executives emphasized that the company’s core values remain unchanged. “Telling stories that shape culture and engage people all over the world takes a commitment to diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences,” the memo said. “Fully representing our audiences is critical to our business, our content, and our culture.”
While several well-known companies have completely moved away from diversity initiatives and others have refused to do so, it seems that there are also other companies which have recognised that merely changing the form of words is enough to placate their right-wing critics.
Diversity may not be dead, it may be just living under an alias.
