Two months after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order proclaiming diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs “illegal and immoral,” Roche has scrapped its high-profile plan to increase the diversity of its leadership, according to Bloomberg.

Additionally, fellow Swiss pharma Novartis will no longer use diverse panels in its hiring process for U.S.-based jobs, according to Reuters.

In a memo to its staff, without mentioning diversity, Roche said that it will “foster an inclusive environment that inspires people to perform their best,” according to Bloomberg.

The email message to employees came after Roche's Genentech erased its diversity targets from its website, saying the site was “under construction.” The company’s annual D&I reports on the initiative were removed from the site and archived.

In its email to employees, in addressing why the company was making the changes globally and not just within its U.S. business, Roche said it was “because our global programs and goals can have an impact on our US organizations if we are not compliant under the new law," according to the report in Bloomberg.

While Trump’s executive order was aimed at U.S. government agencies, it also applies to companies with government contracts, including Roche’s U.S. unit Genentech.

Additionally, emboldened by Trump’s return to power, conservative activists have targeted companies for their DEI efforts, which might have opened the firms to discrimination claims. The Department of Justice is backing the effort, threatening investigations and penalties to companies that conduct “illegal DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs and activities.”

When asked whether Roche was changing its policy, a company spokesperson said, "No."

"We will continue to hire the best people, irrespective of gender and nationality," the spokesperson said in an email. "Our commitment to talent with diverse experiences and perspectives remains steadfast. We are committed to building and retaining an inclusive workforce, fostering an environment where a diversity of thoughts and opinions are valued, and nurturing a sense of belonging where everyone can bring their best selves to work."

Novartis did not respond immediately to a request for comment on its reported move.

Besides the issue of diversity among employees and management, Genentech last month told Fierce Biotech that it would continue to advance the diversity of its clinical trial participants through its Site Alliance program. Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Sanofi also said they will continue to pursue diversity in their trials.

At same time, many U.S. biopharma companies have given indications that they are backing off their diversity initiatives. In its 2024 annual report, BMS eliminated a section seen in previous reports about its “longstanding commitment to elevate inclusion, diversity and health equity.”

Other U.S. companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Biogen have also scrubbed references to DEI in their recent filings, Bloomberg reported last month. 

Earlier this year, Pfizer altered its Breakthrough Fellowship Program, which was designed to develop Black, Latino and Native American people for leadership jobs. The move resolved a lawsuit, filed by conservative organization Do No Harm, which questioned the legality of barring white and Asian applicants. Pfizer now will admit those of all races to the program.