Walmart DEI has announced significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including the removal of certain LGBTQ-themed merchandise from its website and the winding down of a nonprofit that supported programs for minorities. The move reflects a shift in Walmart DEI efforts, aligning the company with others that have scaled back DEI initiatives amid criticism from conservative activists and broader societal shifts.
Changes to LGBTQ Merchandise
As part of the changes, Walmart will no longer allow third-party sellers to offer certain LGBTQ-related items on its website. This includes products marketed toward transgender youth, such as chest binders. Additionally, the company has decided to stop sharing policy data with advocacy organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, which evaluates corporate policies on LGBTQ issues.
Shift in DEI Terminology
Walmart is moving away from using terms like diversity, equity, and inclusion in its corporate language. Employee roles and groups tied to DEI are being rebranded. For instance, the company’s chief diversity officer role is now titled chief belonging officer. This shift mirrors broader trends among corporations distancing themselves from DEI-focused initiatives in response to cultural and political pressures.
Winding Down the Center for Racial Equity
The retailer has also started winding down its Center for Racial Equity, a nonprofit launched in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd and subsequent nationwide protests. At its inception, Walmart and its foundation pledged $100 million over five years to combat systemic racism. However, in recent months, the company has gradually phased out related programs, including supplier diversity initiatives that provided preferential financing to women and minority groups.
Pressure from Conservative Activists
Walmart DEI’s recent decisions come after mounting pressure from conservative activists, including Robby Starbuck, who has been vocal in his opposition to DEI efforts. Starbuck had previously targeted other companies, urging boycotts of businesses perceived to promote wokeness. He recently highlighted Walmart DEI’s changes as a significant victory in the push to roll back corporate DEI policies.
Walmart acknowledged that some of these changes had been underway before the activist pressure but noted that conversations with individuals like Starbucks influenced recent decisions.
Broader Corporate Trends
Walmart joins a growing list of companies pulling back on DEI efforts in light of political and social backlash. Businesses such as Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, Ford, and Molson Coors have all scaled back or eliminated certain equity and inclusion policies. Retailers like Target and brands like Bud Light have also faced sharp declines in sales and consumer backlash following marketing campaigns or merchandise focused on LGBTQ communities.
Ongoing Support with New Guidelines
Despite the changes, Walmart will continue to offer grants, disaster relief, and funding for events such as Pride parades. However, stricter guidelines are being implemented to govern how funds are used.
The company emphasized its commitment to fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for all employees, customers, and suppliers, but it acknowledged the need to adapt to evolving societal and cultural expectations.
Supreme Court Decision as a Catalyst
Some of these changes are attributed to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to strike down affirmative action programs at colleges. This ruling has had a ripple effect on corporate diversity programs, with companies reevaluating policies that prioritize certain groups.
Walmart DEI, the nation’s largest employer with about 1.6 million U.S. workers, has historically promoted workplace diversity and inclusion. However, the latest moves reflect a recalibration of Walmart DEI’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion amid shifting societal dynamics and external pressures.
