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2mo ago

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Ends Diversity Programs to Refocus on Science

The philanthropic organization, co-led by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, has eliminated its DEI efforts and social advocacy funding, citing a shift toward biology and AI research.

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The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, founded by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, is dropping its team dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. The philanthropic organization has been reviewing its "programs and practices" to align with "the current legal and policy landscape." (AP file photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
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Overview

  • The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has disbanded its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEI) team and ended related programs and grants, including those for immigration reform and racial equity.
  • CZI leadership stated the decision aligns with a broader pivot to focus on scientific research, particularly in biology and artificial intelligence.
  • The organization canceled its Science Diversity Leadership Awards and removed references to diversity from its website, signaling a departure from its previous commitments.
  • The move follows similar cuts to DEI programs at Meta, Zuckerberg’s tech company, and comes in the context of regulatory and political changes under the Trump administration.
  • CZI will now concentrate on four major scientific challenges, including developing AI-based virtual cell models and advancing imaging systems for living cells.