Walmart confirmed on Monday it was ending some of its diversity initiatives, removing some LGBTQ-related products from its website and eliminating a nonprofit organization that funded programs for minorities. .
The nation’s largest employer, with about 1.6 million American workers, joins a growing list of companies pulling back from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives after sensing the fervor of conservative activists. .
Others believe it changes a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that struck down affirmative action programs in universities.
These companies include Tractor Supply, which announced in June that it would eliminate its DEI role and cease sponsorship of Pride festivals. Lowe’s, Ford and Molson Coors have also rolled back some equity and inclusion policies in recent months.
Other companies, including Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light and Target, have faced intense backlash and declining sales after marketing campaigns and products focused on the LGBTQ community.
Walmart said in a statement that it is “ready to change alongside our employees and customers across the nation.”
“We’re on a journey and we know we’re not perfect, but every decision we make fosters a sense of belonging and opens doors of opportunity for every employee, customer and supplier, and we strive to help Walmart It comes from the idea that we want to be for everyone.”
Walmart’s DEI changes were first reported by Bloomberg News.
Walmart spokeswoman Molly Blakeman said the changes would allow third-party sellers to sell items on Walmart’s website, including items marketed to transgender youth, such as chest binders. The company said it will no longer allow the sale of some LGBTQ-themed products.
He also said the company recently decided to stop sharing data with the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit that tracks companies’ LGBTQ policies, and other similar groups.
Additionally, the retail giant is eliminating the nonprofit Center for Racial Equality, which Walmart founded in 2020 after the killing of George Floyd sparked protests across the United States. At the time, Walmart and its foundation pledged $100 million over five years to fight systemic racism and establish the center.
Over the past year, the company has been phasing out its supplier diversity program, which gives preferential financing to some groups, such as women and minorities, in response to a Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action.
We also no longer use the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion” or DEI in company documents, employee job titles, or employee resource groups. For example, the former role of Chief Diversity Officer is now called Chief Belonging Officer.
However, Blakeman said Walmart will continue to fund grants, disaster relief and events such as Pride parades, but will have more guidelines on how the funds are used.
Some recent changes were made following pressure from conservative activist Robbie Starbuck, who threatened a consumer boycott of Walmart. Starbuck, who was a vocal opponent of DEI and passionate about Tractor Supply, touted the Walmart changes in a post on “It’s the biggest victory.”
Blakeman said Walmart was in talks with Starbuck last week and was already making some DEI-related changes.
Walmart’s DEI changes were first reported by Bloomberg News.
