Mattel Retreats From DEI Disclosures Amid Government Crackdown

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Mattel, known for creating Barbie dolls and aiming high in the film industry, has decided to step back from sharing details about its commitment to diversity, fairness, and equal opportunities with its investors.

To steer clear of being targeted by the government’s crusade against Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI), Mattel removed mentions that aimed to enhance diversity within the company. Unlike in past years where they emphasized their dedication to such initiatives, Mattel chose not to include details about DEI programs and objectives this time around.

Mattel stopped talking about its efforts to make the company more diverse because it didn’t want to be criticized by the government for these actions. This is a change from previous years where they openly discussed their commitment to such initiatives, but they no longer share details about their DEI plans now.

The key shift was evident in investor reports submitted on April 3, prior to a shareholder gathering slated for May. These modifications are taking place during an intensifying push by the Trump administration against Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which has led major players in the entertainment sector such as Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Amazon to scale back their diversity efforts. Additionally, a recent court decision invalidated mandates for board-level diversity disclosure.

As a gamer, I’m all about embracing diversity and that’s exactly what Mattel stands for. They believe in inclusion, making it a core part of who they are. They create an atmosphere where amazing talents thrive, fostering respect and belonging – something they’re really proud of. This positive culture not only benefits their company but also their consumers. When it comes to our games and experiences, play is our universal language. We strive to communicate authentically with our audience by reflecting the world as they perceive and imagine it.

In 2023, Mattel Films debuted its inaugural production, “Barbie,” through Warner Bros. The studio has set its sights on Hollywood as it intends to produce more films based on popular toy lines. Next summer, we can expect “Masters of the Universe” to grace our cinema screens.

In a 2024 shareholder report, Mattel expressed its intention to enhance diversity within its organization by striving towards “increasing ethnic representation at all organizational levels.” The company highlighted various employee resource groups designed to foster cooperation among those with underrepresented identities throughout the company.

Mattel shared details on the diversity of its board members and highlighted recent adjustments, pointing out that a significant portion, approximately 30%, of their potential new members belong to ethnic minority groups.

As a devoted fan, I’m proud to share that when it comes to corporate responsibility, Mattel truly walks the talk. We don’t just exist within communities; we actively engage and support them where we live, work, and play. Our vision is to help create a world that’s more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone.

This year’s Mattel proxy statement lacked any mention of diversity or ethnicity, nor did it provide information regarding the gender and racial composition of its board members.

Businesses may gradually reduce their transparency regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) matters, given the ongoing examination of such policies by government authorities. Recently, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, advocated for an investigation into Disney and ABC to determine if they implemented discriminatory practices, possibly through racial quotas, among other concerns.

A court of appeals recently overturned regulations that mandated public corporations to reveal their board’s diversity. However, certain entities continue to choose to publicly divulge this information on a voluntary basis.

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2025-04-07 22:54