Walmart, the nation’s largest employer, is ending some diversity, equity and inclusion efforts after feeling the heat from conservative activists. The retailer confirmed it will be removing some LGBTQ-related merchandise from its website and stop sharing data with the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit that tracks companies’ LGBTQ policies, or with other similar organizations.
The nation’s largest employer, which has about 1.6 million U.S. workers, joined a growing list of companies that have stepped back from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts after feeling the heat from conservative activists. https://t.co/2Zi9VmjSAr
— NBC Out (@NBCOUT) November 26, 2024
From NBC News:
Some have also attributed changes to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year that struck down affirmative action programs at colleges.
Those companies include Tractor Supply, which said in June it was eliminating DEI roles and stopping sponsorship of Pride festivals. Lowe’s, Ford and Molson Coors have also walked back some of their equity and inclusion policies in recent months.
Others, such as Anheuser-Busch-owned Bud Light and Target, have faced sharp backlash and falling sales after marketing campaigns or merchandise focused on the LGBTQ community.
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck takes credit for these changes after he threatened to lead a boycott of Walmart. He was also involved in the policy reversals at Ford, Lowe’s, and Harley-Davidson. Starbuck, a vocal DEI-opponent who had also put heat on Tractor Supply, boasted over the changes at Walmart as “the biggest win yet for our movement to end wokeness in corporate America.” I encourage you all to keep Walmart’s decision in mind as you planning your holiday shopping.
Just in time for holiday shopping season, #Walmart is sending a clear message to its #LGBTQ customers. [image or embed]
— The Advocate (@advocate.com) November 26, 2024 at 1:23 PM
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