In a surprise vote, Costco shareholders approved the company’s current diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite opposition from NCPPR, which proposed auditing Costco’s risk of maintaining these policies. The Trump administration has significantly rolled back DEI efforts across federal agencies and private companies, with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target halting their programs.
Costco’s board defended its DEI initiatives, emphasizing they are legally sound and essential for workplace inclusion, employee satisfaction, and innovation. Shareholders overwhelmingly supported the company’s stance, rejecting NCPPR’s audit proposal that critics view as an attempt to hide discriminatory practices.
The vote comes amid growing scrutiny of other companies, including Apple, which recently faced a similar anti-DEI proposal. Meanwhile, Costco’s Teamsters are considering a strike due to concerns over prioritizing corporate interests over workers.
In the wake of President Trump’s DEI rollback orders, businesses face increasing pressure to rethink their inclusion strategies as public and political debate intensifies.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/24/costco-shareholders-overwhelmingly-support-companys-dei-policies-as-other-major-retailers-retreat