Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, announced plans Monday to phase out diversity efforts and remove some LGBTQ merchandise from its website in response to growing attacks from Republicans.
The company is also set to end a nonprofit that funded programs for minorities, according to CNBC.
“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 to the Guardian. “We can deliver on it because we are willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America.”
Under these new changes, Walmart will no longer offer DEI trainings through the Racial Equity Institute, according to the Washington Post. Walmart also plans to phase out their racial equity center, which was set up in 2020 to “address the root causes of gaps in outcomes experienced by Black and African American people in education, health, finance and criminal justice systems,” according to the website.
“We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect,” the company said. “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.”
Walmart will no longer allow third-party sellers to sell certain LGBTQ-themed items, mainly transgender items aimed at minors. This will include chest binders for youth, the company confirmed to the Associated Press. Additionally, the company will no longer provide grants or financially support Pride events that support “sexual content,” including drag shows.
Gender and race in supplier contracts will no longer be considered diversity improvements by Walmart. The company will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual index that measures LGTBQ+ workplace inclusion, AP reports.
Walmart, which employs 1.6 million U.S. workers, joins a growing list of other companies who plan to phase out DEI initiatives.
CNBC reports Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, Ford, and Molson Coors have made similar moves by rolling back inclusion policies and eliminating DEI roles.
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized DEI initiatives and has surrounded himself with conservative cabinet nominations who echo his disapproval, including new Deputy Chief of Policy Stephen Miller.
