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Walmart is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, joining a growing list of major corporations responding to pressure from conservative activists, according to NPR.
The company confirmed on Monday that it will not renew its five-year commitment to a racial equity center, established in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd, and will also withdraw from the Human Rights Campaign’s LGBTQ+ inclusion index.
Additionally, Walmart will no longer prioritize race or gender when selecting suppliers and will stop gathering demographic data for grants.
This shift comes as part of a broader trend among U.S. corporations facing backlash after the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action in college admissions.
Conservative groups have since turned their attention to corporate DEI programs, leading to changes at companies like Ford, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply.
Walmart, which employs 1.6 million people in the U.S., also said it would tighten oversight on third-party marketplace products, particularly those aimed at minors, such as chest binders for transgender youth. The company will also review grants for Pride events to ensure they are family-friendly and avoid funding “sexualized” content.
Walmart emphasized that these decisions, including the move away from DEI terminology, are aimed at creating belonging and opportunity for all.
However, these changes have sparked criticism from some who argue that DEI policies are vital for ensuring fairness and inclusivity in the workplace.
A group of Democratic lawmakers recently urged Fortune 1000 companies to maintain their DEI efforts, highlighting their importance in providing equal opportunities.
