Walmart has announced a decision to end some of its diversity initiatives, including removing some LGBTQ-related merchandise from its website and winding down a nonprofit that funded programs for minorities. The move comes as the company, along with other corporations, faces pressure from conservative activists to step back from diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Some companies like Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, Ford, and Molson Coors have also reversed some of their equity and inclusion policies in recent months.
As part of the changes, Walmart will no longer allow third-party sellers to offer some LGBTQ-themed items on its website and has stopped sharing data with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign that track companies’ LGBTQ policies. The retailer has also phased out supplier diversity programs and moved away from using the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in company documents and employee titles.
Despite these changes, Walmart will continue to provide grants, disaster relief, and funding to events like Pride parades, but with stricter guidelines on how funding can be used. The shift in direction was influenced by pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who threatened a consumer boycott of Walmart and praised the company’s changes as a victory against “wokeness” in corporate America. Walmart had ongoing conversations with Starbuck and already had some diversity-related changes in progress.
The decision to scale back diversity initiatives reflects a broader trend among companies facing scrutiny from various stakeholders regarding their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
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