Meta has removed tampons from men’s restrooms and is making other sweeping changes to its policies, suggesting a dramatic shift in the tech giant’s approach to workplace and content management.
Key Facts:
• The New York Times reported that Meta removed tampons from men’s restrooms at multiple offices for employees who do not identify as male but use those facilities.
• CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the company would end its fact-checking practices and lift restrictions on speech to “restore free expression.”
• Meta ended its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs this week, according to company officials.
• Executives, including Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan, maintain that the focus is now on hiring the most talented people without considering protected characteristics.
The Rest of The Story:
Meta’s leadership has been open about introducing major changes shortly after a new administration took office.
According to The New York Times, managers at the company’s Silicon Valley, Texas, and New York offices were told to remove tampons from men’s bathrooms.
This step was intended to roll back restroom supplies originally provided for employees who might need menstrual products but prefer men’s facilities.
Some workers were upset, with at least one person publicly resigning and others saying they planned to seek new employment.
Zuckerberg’s decision to end Meta’s fact-checking program and loosen speech restrictions appears aimed at returning the company to its earlier values of open dialogue.
He has expressed regret that the previous system went “too far,” suggesting that some online discussions were shut down too quickly.
NYT: "That same day at Meta’s offices in Silicon Valley, Texas and New York, facilities managers were instructed to remove tampons from men’s bathrooms."
This is like pulling down the statue of Saddam.
Now you know wokeness is dead.
— Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) January 10, 2025
The move aligns with a broader trend of tech firms reducing the scope of DEI and content moderation efforts as they operate under fewer pressures from Washington.
Kaplan told Fox News Digital that by ending DEI programs, Meta believes it can focus on finding and hiring the best candidates from all backgrounds, without making choices based on race, gender, or any other protected category.
He also said that the new administration is more supportive of free expression, which could make it easier for Meta to promote a platform where users are free to share a wide range of viewpoints.
Meta removed tampons from the men’s bathrooms in their offices.
Sanity is finally coming back pic.twitter.com/FCY5N2ZJqn
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 10, 2025
The Bottom Line:
These developments mark a significant course change for Meta.
The removal of tampons from men’s restrooms and the conclusion of DEI and fact-checking initiatives are part of a broader plan to reevaluate the company’s culture.
While some employees are frustrated, Meta’s leadership believes this shift will help restore open dialogue and focus on attracting top talent.