Wells Fargo has quietly removed its public-facing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) page and related resources, replacing the terminology with more neutral language such as “inclusion and accessibility,” according to Fortune. The change, identified by comparing the current site with archived versions, comes as the bank faces scrutiny over its diversity policies.
The removed content once highlighted Wells Fargo’s long history with diversity efforts, including support for the first national lesbian organization, advocacy for Japanese-Americans during World War II, and Spanish-language services dating back to the 1800s, per Fortune. The site also previously featured annual DEI reports, pay equity analysis, and racial equity assessments, none of which are currently accessible.
The update follows a February 2025 policy shift when Wells Fargo announced it would no longer require hiring managers to consider a diverse group of candidates for senior-level positions, Bloomberg reported. That decision prompted protests in August, with demonstrators calling for the requirement’s reinstatement and stronger environmental commitments, per WCNC Charlotte.
Despite the public changes, Wells Fargo has maintained internal inclusion programs. Ebony Thomas, appointed head of DEI in 2024, continues to hold the role, according to Fortune. Employee resource groups remain active, and the bank continues to highlight initiatives for veterans, military spouses, employees with disabilities, and neurodiverse workers.
Wells Fargo’s shift reflects a broader corporate trend in DEI. As reported by Bloomberg Law, references to “DEI” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in corporate annual reports have dropped by more than half compared with the same period last year. Companies such as Delta Air Lines and Bank of America are replacing DEI terminology with broader language, including “inclusion,” “merit-based hiring,” and “belonging,” highlighting how many corporations are reshaping how they communicate diversity commitments.
These updates reflect how companies, including Wells Fargo, are adjusting how they present diversity and inclusion publicly while maintaining certain internal programs.
Wells Fargo did not provide comment to Fortune on its recent changes.
