New York – Walmart, a prominent retail giant, has recently made sweeping changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. This decision follows a trend among major corporations to roll back such initiatives after facing scrutiny from conservative activists.
The adjustments confirmed by Walmart on Monday include the discontinuation of a five-year commitment to an equity racial center established in 2020, as well as withdrawing from a prominent gay rights index. Moreover, Walmart will no longer prioritize suppliers based on race or gender. These shifts highlight the increasing pressure on corporate America in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling ending affirmative action in college admissions.
Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck has been actively calling out and challenging corporate DEI policies on social media, with several companies, including Ford, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply, following suit. However, Walmart, with its 1.6 million U.S. employees, stands out as the largest company to make such changes.
Walmart’s decision to step back from its previous initiatives aligns with the growing sentiment to combat what some perceive as “wokeness” in corporate America. The company also indicated that it will enhance monitoring of its marketplace to prevent the sale of sexual and transgender products aimed at minors.
Additionally, Walmart will review its support of Pride events to ensure it does not inadvertently back inappropriate content for children. The retailer will no longer use race or gender as criteria to improve diversity when awarding supplier contracts. The company emphasized that it does not have quotas and will not collect demographic data for determining grant eligibility.
Furthermore, Walmart will terminate its involvement with the Human Rights Campaign’s benchmark index measuring LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. The company stated that its decisions are rooted in fostering a sense of inclusion and opening doors for all associates, customers, and suppliers.
These changes come amid former President Donald Trump’s recent election victory, whose administration has been critical of DEI initiatives. Walmart indicated that some of its policy adjustments have been underway for some time, including transitioning from using DEI to emphasizing “belonging” in job titles and communications.
Advocates for DEI efforts continue to urge companies to uphold these policies, noting that they provide opportunities for all individuals to achieve the American dream.
