On Tuesday, Meta announced that it would be implementing a new set of "community engagement expectations" for employees. Among the updated rules is a ban on the discussion of topics deemed "disruptive" by the higher-ups.
Head of People Lori Goler outlined the expectations in a post on Meta's internal forum, noting that they would go into effect immediately, and apply at all levels of the company.
"As Mark mentioned recently, we need to make a number of cultural shifts to help us deliver against our priorities," Goler wrote, according to screenshots obtained by Fortune. "We’re doing this to ensure that internal discussions remain respectful, productive, and allow us to focus."
Goler admitted that the decision means Meta will "no longer allow for every type of expression at work," but added that she and other executives "think this is the right thing to do for the long-term health of our internal community."
One of the main driving forces behind the new community engagement expectations is the desire to prevent employees from spending time engaging in conversations that negatively impact their workflow.
Goler explained that Meta would be "increasing the number of topics that can no longer be discussed at work," citing a list of those that she claimed had been "very disruptive in the past."
Going forward, employees will not be allowed to speak on company time with fellow staff about health issues, such as abortion or whether vaccines work, legal matters, elections or political movements, and the ownership of guns.
In a statement to Fortune, Goler defended the policy, suggesting it would "reduce distractions while maintaining an environment that is respectful and inclusive and where people can do their best work."
She also noted that Meta would be dialing back its advocacy work, and would only release public statements on issues that directly impact the company.
As the New York Post reports, the new expectations build upon a series of restrictions enacted over the past year, including the recent barring of discussion surrounding the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
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