Big-box corporations like McDonald’s are revising or dropping diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs amid conservative attacks. The fast-food giant announced it has revised some of its 2021 DEI policies, eliminating formal inclusion and diversity criteria in staffing and supplier considerations. Instead, the company will pursue equality in hiring, promotion, and partnership decisions.
McDonald’s decision mirrors moves by other major US corporations to abandon DEI programs following conservative pressure. The company cited a “shifting legal landscape” created by the Supreme Court’s June ruling on affirmative action criteria. This has led to lawsuits against companies with similar “woke” policies.
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck claims credit for influencing decisions at Walmart, Boeing, Ford, and other large companies to drop their DEI programs. McDonald’s differs from some of these companies by retaining its objective behind previous DEI policies but abandoning quantified targets for inclusive hiring and promotion. The company will now adopt a default practice of equality.
While McDonald’s aims to improve workplace environments through diversity, the outcome is uncertain for smaller business owners practicing DEI objectives. As Republicans take control of Congress in two weeks, it may lead to increased anti-DEI campaigns both politically and legally. Smaller businesses advised to rework policies, avoiding specific language and quantified staffing quotas that could be attacked as discriminatory.
Source: https://www.inc.com/bruce-crumley/mcdonalds-abandons-some-dei-policies-following-other-big-companies-caving-to-pressure-groups/91104023