Mon Jan 13 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Meta Removes Tampons from Men’s Restrooms, Sparks Employee Outrage and Resignations

**MENLO PARK, CA** – Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing intense backlash after reportedly removing tampons and sanitary pads from men’s restrooms across its offices. The decision, confirmed by the New York Times, has prompted internal controversy and prompted some employees to resign.

According to the NYT, facilities managers were instructed to remove the menstrual products, previously provided to accommodate transgender and non-binary employees. This action follows a series of controversial moves by Meta, including the discontinuation of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and the removal of transgender and non-binary themes from its Messenger app.

The changes have ignited fierce debate on Meta’s internal platform, Workplace, with employees expressing concerns and objections. Meta’s Chief Marketing Officer, Alex Schultz, attempted to address the concerns, suggesting that issues surrounding transgender rights have become politicized.

The company’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Joel Kaplan, defended the dismantling of DEI programs, arguing it allows Meta to focus on merit-based hiring without considering protected characteristics. These decisions, along with the phasing out of independent fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram in favor of a user-driven system, are believed to be aligned with the anticipated priorities of the incoming political leadership.

While Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has not directly commented on the tampon removal, the move, alongside other recent policy changes, has sparked widespread criticism on social media. This trend of rolling back DEI initiatives is mirroring similar actions at other major companies following the election of President-elect Trump. The controversy highlights a broader debate about corporate social responsibility and the impact of political shifts on workplace inclusivity.

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