Meta orders removal of tampons in men's rooms amid Zuckerberg post-election shakeup: report

In a significant shift within the corporate culture of the United States, Mark Zuckerberg's Meta has announced major changes to its internal policies following the recent election. The changes, which were reported in early January 2025, include the removal of tampon dispensers from men's restrooms in Meta facilities located in Silicon Valley, Texas, and New York. This notable decision was made after a series of rapid policy reversals that appear to align more closely with conservative values, a move that has sparked considerable controversy and discontent among some employees, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to this alteration, Meta had provided these hygiene products for transgender and nonbinary employees utilizing men’s restrooms. According to various reports, the office-wide instruction to dismantle these amenities has led to protest among staff, with at least one employee publicly announcing their resignation and others considering their options for new employment. The internal dialogue indicates a split between those supporting the new directions and those who feel disillusioned by the changes, stemming from a perception that the company's inclusive policies have been unjustly reversed. Furthermore, parallel to the removal of sanitary products, Meta has also decided to terminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This decision follows a broader trend among major companies reconsidering their DEI initiatives in the wake of significant political changes in the United States, emphasizing a more traditional approach to hiring practices and content moderation. Comprehensive adjustments include rolling back content moderation practices on its social media platforms, thereby fostering an environment described by some as more supportive of free speech. The immediate aftermath of these changes has led to a significant division among employees regarding Meta's direction. While some view the decisions as a necessary realignment with the political climate following the new presidential administration's ascension to power, others criticize the moves as a retreat from inclusivity and sensitivity towards gender issues. As employees react to the evolving environment and old policies are dismantled, it remains to be seen how the organization's cultural fabric will adapt to the emerging policies and what the broader consequences will be for Meta and its employee morale.