Several major US companies, including McDonald’s, Walmart, Ford, Lowe’s, John Deere, and Tractor Supply, are scaling back or eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in response to conservative pressure.
The moves come after the US Supreme Court ruled that affirmative action in college admissions is unconstitutional. Conservative activists have targeted companies’ DEI policies, arguing they are unfair and should be eliminated. Companies such as McDonald’s and Walmart have announced changes to their diversity teams and programs, while others like Ford and Lowe’s have stopped participating in LGBTQ+ inclusion indices.
Walmart will no longer consider race and gender in supplier contracts or grant financing eligibility, and John Deere has decided not to sponsor social awareness events. Tractor Supply has eliminated its DEI roles and goals, and will withdraw from its carbon emission goals to focus on land and water conservation efforts.
The backlash against diversity initiatives reflects a growing trend of conservative pressure on companies to conform to certain values. Companies are reevaluating their DEI policies in response to this pressure, but some critics argue that these moves may be counterproductive and undermine the very principles they aim to support.
As the landscape for corporate DEI shifts, companies must navigate the complex interplay between business strategy, social responsibility, and public opinion. With the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, it remains to be seen how companies will adapt their diversity initiatives in the years to come.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/diversity-dei-goals-companies-lawsuits-eb052e0b420824485041263b7df1f715