According to engadget, Microsoft will not release a diversity and inclusion report for 2025, breaking its annual tradition that started back in 2019. Stephen Totilo from Game File noticed the company missed its usual October-to-early-November publication window and pressed for answers. Microsoft’s chief communications officer Frank Shaw confirmed they’re skipping the traditional report, saying they’ve “evolved beyond that to formats that are more dynamic and accessible.” The company claims this shift to stories, videos, and insights showing “inclusion in action” doesn’t change their commitment to diversity. But this marks the first time in six years that stakeholders won’t get comprehensive data on Microsoft’s diversity progress.
The political backdrop
Here’s the thing – this isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Trump administration has been very clear about its stance on DEI initiatives. President Trump signed executive orders directing government agencies to roll back these programs and encouraged private companies to follow suit. And they are. Meta reportedly ended its DEI programs earlier this year. Google announced it will “no longer set hiring targets to improve representation.” Now Microsoft joins the club. It’s becoming a pattern, isn’t it?
The transparency problem
Without that annual report, we lose something crucial – the ability to track actual progress. Stories and videos might be more engaging, but they don’t give you the hard numbers on pay equality, workforce diversity percentages, or promotion rates across different demographics. Totilo previously noted that Microsoft didn’t mention diversity programs in two recent shareholder reports either. So the company might say their commitment remains, but they’re certainly making it harder for outsiders to verify that claim. Basically, we’re being asked to take their word for it rather than seeing the data ourselves.
Broader implications
This shift matters for everyone who cares about corporate accountability. Employees lose a key benchmark for understanding whether their company is walking the walk. Investors who consider diversity part of good governance lose transparency. And honestly, it sets a concerning precedent for other tech giants who might be looking for excuses to dial back their own reporting. When companies like Microsoft make these moves, smaller players notice. The timing is particularly interesting given the current political climate. I think we’re seeing a significant pullback from the transparency commitments many tech companies made during the social justice movements of recent years.
