Several major corporations have recently rolled back or put on hold their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that were widely embraced by the corporate world after the protests following the killing of George Floyd in 2020. Conservative activists, emboldened by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions, have taken legal and social media action against workplace diversity programs. These initiatives include corporate sponsorships, employee-led affinity groups, and hiring practices that aim to support historically marginalized communities.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies were initially implemented to combat discriminatory practices. Critics argue that singling out individuals based on factors like race, gender, or sexual orientation in education, government, and business programs is unfair, and that equal opportunities should be available to all.
Among the companies scaling back on DEI efforts are:
Meta Platforms: The parent company of Facebook and Instagram announced the discontinuation of its diversity, equity, and inclusion program, which included policies on hiring, training, and vendor selection. The company stated that changes were made in response to the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling in July 2023. Meta will no longer have a dedicated diversity and inclusion team but will focus on implementing fair practices to mitigate bias for all individuals, regardless of background. The company will also cease its “diverse slate approach” to hiring.
Amazon: Amazon revealed that it is winding down certain DEI programs, though details were not specified. A memo from a senior human resources executive mentioned that the company is phasing out outdated programs and materials by the end of 2024. Amazon aims to focus on initiatives with proven results and cultivate a more inclusive corporate culture.
McDonald’s: After four years of efforts to increase diversity within its workforce, McDonald’s announced the discontinuation of some diversity practices in response to the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. The company will no longer set specific goals for diversity at senior leadership levels and is ending a program that promoted diversity training among suppliers. McDonald’s will also pause external surveys.
These companies, among others, are reevaluating their DEI strategies in light of recent legal developments and changing cultural perspectives.
Several companies have chosen to suspend their involvement in an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign, which gauges workplace inclusivity for LGBTQ+ employees. In a message to employees and franchisees, McDonald’s senior leadership team affirmed their dedication to diversity and inclusion, viewing it as a key competitive advantage.
Walmart, the largest retailer globally, announced it would not renew a five-year commitment to an equity racial center established in 2020 following George Floyd’s tragic death. Additionally, Walmart decided to discontinue participation in the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. The company also pledged to enhance oversight of its third-party marketplace to ensure products targeting LGBTQ+ minors, like chest binders for transgender youth, are not available.
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, communicated changes to the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in a memo to employees, revealing Ford’s withdrawal from the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. Farley emphasized Ford’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, highlighting efforts to prioritize customers, employees, and communities over engaging in public debates on divisive issues.
Lowe’s executive leadership announced a review of company programs post the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling. As a result, Lowe’s consolidated its employee resource groups under a single umbrella organization and opted out of the HRC index. The company also ceased sponsorship of events outside its business scope.
Harley-Davidson disclosed plans to evaluate all sponsorships and affiliations, necessitating central approval for all engagements. The company’s focus shifted towards promoting motorcycling and supporting first responders, active military personnel, and veterans. Harley-Davidson discontinued participation in the workplace equality ranking by the Human Rights Campaign and shifted training efforts towards business-centric needs.
Brown-Forman, the owner of Jack Daniels, announced its withdrawal from the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and introduced other modifications. In an email to employees, company leaders acknowledged the evolving business landscape and outlined changes to their diversity and inclusion strategy.
Brown-Forman has made it a priority to emphasize their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace by aligning incentives and employee goals with business performance, as well as ensuring that training programs are in line with a revised strategy. According to spokesperson Elizabeth Conway, the company prides itself on creating an inclusive work environment that values and respects all individuals, allowing them to freely express their true selves while contributing their best efforts to their work.
Meanwhile, John Deere, the renowned farm equipment manufacturer based in Moline, Illinois, recently announced a shift in their approach by discontinuing sponsorship of “social or cultural awareness” events and conducting audits of training materials to comply with federal and local regulations. Despite clarifying that diversity quotas and pronoun identification are not part of their official policies, the company intends to maintain a focus on tracking and advancing diversity within their organization.
In a similar vein, Tractor Supply, a retailer based in Brentwood, Tennessee, has chosen to halt various corporate diversity and climate initiatives following online criticism from conservative circles. As part of this decision, the company is eliminating all roles related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while also retiring existing DEI objectives. Additionally, Tractor Supply has decided to cease sponsorship of non-business activities such as Pride festivals and voting campaigns, opt out of submitting data to the HRC index, and shift their focus towards land and water conservation efforts by withdrawing from carbon emission goals.
These developments have not gone unnoticed, as the National Black Farmers Association has called for the resignation of Tractor Supply’s president and CEO in response to the company’s recent actions.
