McDonald’s has joined a growing list of major US companies ditching their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The move comes after Walmart and Meta made similar announcements in recent weeks.
The trend began with the US Supreme Court’s ruling in 2023 that Harvard University’s race-conscious admissions policy violated the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. This led to demands from state Attorneys General for big companies to end their DEI programs.
Since then, several major companies have rolled back or eliminated their DEI initiatives. Boeing, Ford, and Harley-Davidson have also made changes, while Costco has taken a contrarian approach by doubling down on its commitment to DEI.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski announced the company’s decision in a message to franchisees, employees, and suppliers. The change includes shifting the focus of the company’s diversity team from “diversity” to “global inclusion.”
As a business owner, it’s essential to be aware of these shifts in law and public attitudes. While some may view DEI initiatives as unnecessary or even divisive, they have become an integral part of corporate governance and recruiting strategies.
According to Winston Churchill, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is perhaps the end of the beginning.” The era of backlash to DEI appears to be reaching its peak, but it’s essential to recognize opportunities for growth and innovation in a changing landscape.
By factoring in these trends and shifting perceptions, business owners can stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions about their own recruiting strategies and corporate values.
Source: https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/mcdonalds-just-announced-a-very-big-change-and-its-the-end-of-the-start-of-an-era/91104368