Four years after launching a major push for greater diversity within its ranks, McDonald’s is rolling back some of its key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The fast-food giant cited the 2023 Supreme Court decision that overturned affirmative action in college admissions as a key factor in its decision.
This move makes McDonald’s the latest in a string of major corporations, including Walmart, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson, to adjust their DEI strategies in the face of the court ruling and a growing conservative backlash against such initiatives.
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Effective immediately, McDonald’s will be:
- Retiring specific numerical targets: The company will no longer pursue previously established goals for diversity representation at senior leadership levels.
- Ending supplier diversity program: A program encouraging suppliers to implement diversity training and increase minority representation in leadership will be discontinued.
- Pausing “external surveys”: While details remain unclear, this may involve withdrawing from surveys like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, which measures LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
McDonald’s initiated its DEI push in 2021 following a series of sexual harassment lawsuits and allegations of discrimination from Black franchise owners. At the time, Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski emphasized the importance of “real, measurable progress” in fostering inclusion and diversity.
However, the company now states that the “shifting legal landscape” following the Supreme Court decision, alongside actions taken by other corporations, prompted a reevaluation of its policies.
READ: Biden DOJ Allocated Over $100 Million For Restorative Justice, DEI, And SEL In K-12 Schools
While acknowledging these changes, McDonald’s maintains its commitment to inclusion and a diverse workforce. The company highlighted its achievements, including:
- Increased representation: 30% of U.S. leaders are currently from underrepresented groups.
- Pay equity: Achieving gender pay equity at all company levels.
- Diverse suppliers: Expected to reach the goal of 25% of total supplier spending with diverse-owned businesses by year-end.
Moving forward, McDonald’s diversity team will be renamed the “Global Inclusion Team,” and the company will continue to track and report demographic data. This shift signals a potential move away from specific numerical targets while still emphasizing a broader commitment to inclusivity.
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