Walmart recently announced that it is discontinuing some of its diversity initiatives, including removing LGBTQ-related merchandise from its website and winding down a nonprofit that funded programs for minorities. This decision follows a trend of companies stepping back from diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, possibly due to pressure from conservative activists and the impact of a Supreme Court decision on affirmative action programs. Companies like Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, Ford, and Molson Coors have also scaled back their equity and inclusion policies recently.
Walmart stated that it is willing to change alongside its associates and customers to foster a sense of belonging for everyone. The retailer will no longer allow third-party sellers to offer certain LGBTQ-themed items on its website, and it has stopped sharing data with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign. Additionally, Walmart is phasing out supplier diversity programs and has moved away from using the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in its documentation and employee titles.
Despite these changes, Walmart will continue to support events like Pride parades and provide funding for disaster relief, but with stricter guidelines on how the funding can be used. The decision to scale back diversity initiatives came after pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who had threatened a consumer boycott of Walmart. Walmart had conversations with Starbuck and already had some diversity-related changes in progress.
Overall, Walmart’s decision to end some of its diversity initiatives reflects a broader trend among companies to reassess their diversity and inclusion efforts in response to various factors, including societal pressure and legal decisions.
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