Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has joined 18 other Republican state attorneys general in a letter to Costco Wholesale, demanding that the company drop its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies within 30 days. The group cited concerns about discrimination and legal risks, stating that such programs are “divisive and discriminatory” and that companies should treat every person equally based on merit.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle DEI policies at federal agencies, contractors, and in the private sector. Costco has resisted similar efforts from other companies, with 98% of shareholders voting against a proposal to investigate the business risks of its diversity initiatives.
Other major corporations, such as Meta, Ford Motor, and Amazon, have either dropped their DEI programs or stopped participating in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s corporate equity index. The Republican attorneys general are pushing for Costco to follow suit, with Yost expected to run for governor in 2026 amidst a crowded GOP primary.
Source: https://eu.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/28/ohio-attorney-general-dave-yost-pressures-costco-to-drop-dei/77998964007