US retail giant Walmart has cut back on many of its diversity equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI) following pressure from conservative activists.
The world’s largest retailer announced a number of changes, including the removal of gender and race from consideration when awarding contracts to suppliers.
Walmart plans to close the non-profit Centre for Racial Equity in which it had invested $100 million four years prior, following the killing of George Floyd by police.
The company will also reduce some of its employee training on racial equality, evaluate how it supports Pride events and drop out of the rankings by the LGBT advocacy group Human Rights Campaign.
It also confirmed that it will no longer be using the terms “DEI”, “LatinX”, as part of a growing list of large businesses who have cut back on or reduced many of their initiatives.
Ford, Harley Davidson and Tractor Supply are just a few of the companies who have withdrawn from DEI policies.
A spokesperson for the company said in a statement: “Our mission, to help people live better and save money, has been our core purpose since our founding over 62 years ago, and it continues to guide us to this day. We are able to deliver because we’re willing to change with our customers and associates who represent the whole of America.
In the latest report on culture and diversity, the retailer states that in the US, people of color represent around half (51% of the total workforce) and almost three-quarters (59%) (or new recruits). Just under half (49%) were women.
The spokesperson said: “We have been on a long journey and we know that we aren’t perfectly perfect. But every decision is made from a desire to foster a feeling of belonging and open doors for our associates, suppliers, and customers, and to be Walmart for all.”
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