Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers, has announced significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, aligning with a growing trend among major corporations to scale back such initiatives.
These changes come in response to mounting pressure from conservative groups and the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions.
Walmart’s decision to pull back on DEI efforts reflects a broader trend among corporations.
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“Our purpose, to help people save money and live better, has been at our core since our founding 62 years ago and continues to guide us today,” Walmart said in a statement. “We can deliver on it because we are willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America. We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone.”
Key changes implemented by Walmart include:
- Ending the Racial Equity Center: Walmart will not renew its five-year, $100 million commitment to the center, which aimed to address racial disparities in education, health, finance, and criminal justice.
- Withdrawing from the Human Rights Campaign Index: The company will no longer participate in the annual benchmark that assesses corporate LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Reevaluating Supplier Diversity Programs: Walmart will no longer prioritize suppliers based on race or gender, focusing instead on other factors such as cost and quality.
- Monitoring Third-Party Marketplaces: The company will increase oversight of third-party sellers to ensure they are not offering products that promote sexual or transgender themes, particularly those targeting minors.
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Walmart’s decision has sparked debate, with some praising the move as a step towards a more merit-based approach, while others express concern about potential negative impacts on diversity and inclusion efforts.
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