OAN Staff James Myers
8:19am – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Walmart confirmed on Monday that it would end several DEI programs, remove some LGBTQ-related products from its website and exclude nonprofits that were funding programs for minorities.
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The nation's largest employer, with nearly 1.6 million U.S. workers, joins other companies that have pulled back on DEI initiatives.
Others blame his recent changes to last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision 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. Ford, Lowe's and Molson Coors have also rolled back some equity and inclusion policies in recent months.
Additionally, companies such as Anheuser-Busch's Bud Light and Target have faced massive backlash and sales declines 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 changes will also prevent third-party sellers from selling LGBTQ-themed products on Walmart's website, including products marketed to transgender youth.
Additionally, the retail giant plans to end the nonprofit Center for Racial Equality, which Walmart founded in 2020 following the death of George Floyd.
We also no longer use the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion” or DEI in company documents, employee job titles, or employee resource groups.
Meanwhile, Walmart will continue to fund grants, disaster relief, and events like Pride Parades.
Conservative activist Robbie Starbuck praised Walmart's changes in a post about X, calling them “the biggest victory yet for our movement to end corporate America's wokeness.”
Walmart was in talks with Starbuck last week and is already making some DEI-related changes, company spokeswoman Molly Blakeman said.
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