Deloitte Instructs Employees to Remove Gender Pronouns Amid Policy Shift

Washington – Deloitte US has directed employees working on government contracts to remove gender pronouns from their email signatures, citing the need to align with evolving federal regulations. The decision follows policy changes introduced by the Trump administration, which emphasize the recognition of only two sexes in official government documents and prohibit the use of federal funds for initiatives promoting gender identity ideology.

Adapting to Government Regulations

As a major government contractor, Deloitte stated that the adjustment is part of its ongoing compliance with federal requirements. A company spokesperson confirmed the guidance applies specifically to employees working in its government and public services division.

“As a US government contractor, we have a long-standing track record of compliance with new governmental requirements,” Deloitte said in a statement.

Changes to Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Beyond email signatures, Deloitte has also announced plans to scale back several of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including:

• Ending its annual DEI report
• Phasing out diversity-based goals and programs
• Reevaluating commitments to leadership diversity targets

This shift follows similar actions by Accenture, which recently discontinued its global diversity targets and demographic-based career programs, citing the changing US political landscape.

Concerns Over Corporate Inclusion Policies

In previous years, Deloitte had committed to increasing gender balance and ethnic diversity among its senior leadership and pledged $200 million in spending with Black-led businesses. While the firm has stated that it remains committed to inclusivity, concerns have emerged over how these policy changes will impact workplace diversity efforts.

Despite the rollback of some DEI programs, Deloitte confirmed that it will continue to support heritage month events, employee-led cultural networks, and inclusion councils.

As federal policies continue to evolve, the private sector is expected to face ongoing challenges in balancing regulatory compliance with corporate diversity commitments.