Several high-profile companies have either reduced or completely abandoned their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that gained prominence in the wake of the protests against the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in 2020.
The shift comes in response to intensified campaigns led by conservative groups targeting workplace initiatives through legal avenues and social media platforms, as well as the implementation of executive orders by then-President Donald Trump aimed at eliminating DEI measures in both government and private sectors.
These DEI policies were initially designed to dismantle systemic obstacles faced by historically marginalized communities in various sectors. However, they have faced criticism from those who argue that such programs may discriminate based on race, gender, or sexual orientation by disproportionately considering these factors in hiring and promotion decisions.
This criticism has extended to corporate sponsorships, employee affinity groups, initiatives to funnel contracts to minority or women-owned enterprises, as well as targets companies have set for enhancing minority representation within their leadership teams.
Among the companies retracting their DEI efforts are:
**Google**
The tech giant announced it would no longer pursue a goal set in 2020 to boost the representation of underrepresented groups in its leadership team by 30% over five years.
In internal communications to employees, Google mentioned a review of its policies in light of Trump’s executive orders preventing federal contractors from implementing DEI practices deemed discriminatory.
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, signaled a change in its annual report by omitting a previously included statement of commitment to integrating DEI into all aspects of the company.
**Target**
Target disclosed that it would revise its “Belonging at the Bullseye” framework, discontinuing initiatives aimed at aiding Black employees and promoting Black-owned businesses post-Floyd’s death.
As the retailer, with nearly 2,000 locations and a workforce exceeding 400,000, ends its DEI goals outlined in three-year cycles, it will also stop participating in evaluations of its DEI efforts, including an annual index from the Human Rights Campaign.
**Meta Platforms**
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, indicated a complete dismantling of its DEI programs, following a review prompted by a recent Supreme Court ruling.
The company stated it would no longer prioritize a diverse group of candidates in hiring processes and would eliminate the specific team dedicated to diversity initiatives, redirecting focus toward fair practices for all applicants.
**Amazon**
Amazon announced a pause on select DEI initiatives, noting in a memo that it would wind down outdated programs by the end of 2024 while continuing to evaluate its approach for proven outcomes that genuinely promote inclusivity.
**McDonald’s**
After four years of initiatives aimed at increasing diversity, McDonald’s revealed plans to retract certain practices following a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action.
The fast-food chain intends to relax its diversity goals at senior leadership levels and will discontinue encouraging supplier diversity training.
**Walmart**
Walmart confirmed it would not renew a five-year agreement to fund a racial equity center and will cease its participation in the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index.
The giant retailer has opted for a more scrupulous observation of its third-party affiliates, ensuring compliance with its business values.
**Ford**
In a memo to staff, Ford’s CEO shared an overview of fresh changes to the company’s DEI policies, including stepping away from the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, while emphasizing a commitment to cultivating a safe and inclusive work environment.
**Lowe’s**
After the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, Lowe’s stated it would review its internal programs, merging all employee resource groups into a single entity.
It would also withdraw from HRC participation and discontinuing sponsorship of events seen as outside of essential business focus.
**Harley-Davidson**
In a recent announcement, Harley-Davidson declared its intent to scrutinize all affiliations and sponsorships it maintains, pivoting focus to enhancing its core business of motorcycling.
The company will end its participation in workplace equality rankings and adjust its training to align more closely with business demands, excluding social issues.
**Brown-Forman**
The parent company of Jack Daniels opted out of the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index and announced plans to remove specific workforce diversity targets in response to evolving business and legal landscapes.
Company officials assured employees that an inclusive work environment remains a top priority.
**John Deere**
In correspondence from July, John Deere communicated its decision to stop sponsoring social awareness events and to ensure training materials conform to governmental regulations, affirming it has no diversity quotas.
Nevertheless, the company noted its ongoing commitment to promote diversity within its workforce.
**Tractor Supply**
The retailer stated it would eliminate DEI roles and goals while withdrawing from non-business-related sponsorships due to public pushback from conservative circles.
Tractor Supply also plans to refocus its environmental efforts concerning conservation as opposed to carbon emissions targets.
Calls for accountability arose, with the National Black Farmers Association urging the resignation of Tractor Supply’s leadership soon after the company’s announcement.
