Walmart has made significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, joining other major corporations in scaling back their DEI programs. These initiatives, which were largely introduced following the racial justice protests in 2020, are now being reassessed as conservative pressure continues to grow.
The retail giant, with 1.6 million employees, announced it is taking steps to foster “a sense of belonging” among its workers and customers, aligning its efforts with what it sees as a broader, more inclusive approach. Walmart clarified that these changes have been a part of its ongoing efforts over the past several years, not just the result of external pressure.
Walmart: Key Policy Shifts and Backlash from Activists
As part of its adjustments, Walmart will remove LGBTQ-related products from its online store, including items aimed at transgender youth such as chest binders. The company will also stop sharing data with a nonprofit that tracks LGBTQ policies. Additionally, the company will shut down its Center for Racial Equity, a charity it created in 2020 with a $100 million commitment to support racial justice causes.
Walmart’s move mirrors recent actions by companies like Harley-Davidson and John Deere, who have also reevaluated their DEI policies. These changes come on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action in college admissions and a growing conservative movement opposed to “woke” policies.
The decision to alter its DEI strategies is partly attributed to activist Robby Starbuck, known for spearheading boycotts against businesses he considers too “woke”. Starbuck’s influence led to productive discussions with Walmart executives, although the company maintains that its actions are part of a long-term evolution of its policies, not solely the result of these conversations.
This shift in Walmart’s stance underscores the ongoing tension between corporate social responsibility and the political pressures that shape today’s corporate landscape.
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