• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Editor's Pick Walmart pulls back on DEI efforts, removes some LGBTQ merchandise from website
Editor's Pick

Walmart pulls back on DEI efforts, removes some LGBTQ merchandise from website

by November 26, 2024
by November 26, 2024 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

Walmart on Monday confirmed that it’s ending some of its diversity initiatives, removing some LGBTQ-related merchandise from its website and winding down a nonprofit that funded programs for minorities.

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.

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.

In a statement, Walmart said it is “willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America.”

“We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, 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,” the statement said.

Walmart’s DEI changes were first reported by Bloomberg News.

Among the changes, Walmart will no longer allow third-party sellers to sell some LGBTQ-themed items on Walmart’s website, including items marketed to transgender youth like chest binders, company spokeswoman Molly Blakeman said.

She said it also recently decided to stop sharing data with the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit that tracks companies’ LGBTQ policies, or with other similar organizations.

Additionally, the big-box retailer is winding down the Center for Racial Equity, a nonprofit that Walmart started in 2020 after George Floyd’s murder sparked protests across the country. At the time, Walmart and the company’s foundation pledged $100 million over five years to fight systemic racism and create the center.

Over the past year, the company has phased out supplier diversity programs, which gave preferential financing to some groups, such as women and minorities, after the Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action.

It’s also moved away from using the term “diversity, equity and inclusion” or DEI in company documents, employee titles and employee resource groups. For example, its former chief diversity officer role is now called the chief belonging officer.

Yet, Walmart will continue to award grants, disaster relief, and funding to events like Pride parades, but with more guidelines of how funding can be used, Blakeman said.

Some recent changes came on the heels of pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who threatened a consumer boycott of Walmart. Starbuck, a vocal DEI-opponent who had also put heat on Tractor Supply, touted Walmart’s changes in a post on X, describing them as “the biggest win yet for our movement to end wokeness in corporate America.”

Walmart had conversations with Starbuck over the last week and already had some DEI-related changes underway, Blakeman said.

Walmart’s DEI changes were first reported by Bloomberg News.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • East and Gulf coast ports shut down as thousands of workers go on strike
  • Quectel Certification Services offering speeds up time to market and takes away certification cost and complexities for IoT devices
  • McDonald’s revenue disappoints, as U.S. sales see worst drop since pandemic
  • Mortgage demand falls to 27-year low despite drop in interest rates
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
U.S. charges former Wamco executive Kenneth Leech with fraud
next post
OptionsPlay: Macro Market Outlook and Options Strategies

You may also like

Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, says she has autonomy from...

August 11, 2023

Fed Chair Powell says holding rates high for too long...

July 11, 2024

UAW challenges Mercedes-Benz union vote, asks NLRB for new election

May 27, 2024

Amazon is responsible for dangerous products sold on its site,...

July 31, 2024

U.S. gas prices are likely to keep falling despite the...

October 14, 2023

The Dow just hit 40,000. Here’s a look at how...

May 18, 2024

‘Absurd’: NTSB chair blasts Boeing for failing to turn over...

March 8, 2024

Tesla recalls 1.8 million vehicles over unlatched hood issue

July 30, 2024

Elon Musk’s X and Starlink face nearly $1 million in...

September 20, 2024

WWE agrees to merge with UFC to create a new...

April 5, 2023

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Dick’s Sporting Goods stands by full-year guidance — even with tariffs looming

      May 28, 2025
    • Top Sectors to Watch + The 18 SMA Setup Every Trader Should Know

      May 28, 2025
    • Macy’s CEO says retailer will hike some prices as tariffs cut into profits

      May 28, 2025
    • 23andMe to delist from Nasdaq, deregister with SEC

      May 28, 2025
    • Walmart fined for shipping realistic toy guns to New York, violating state law

      May 28, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,763 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,470 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,449 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,427 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,305 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,101)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,576)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Dick’s Sporting Goods stands by full-year guidance — even with...

      May 28, 2025
    • Top Sectors to Watch + The 18 SMA Setup Every...

      May 28, 2025
    • Macy’s CEO says retailer will hike some prices as tariffs...

      May 28, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,101)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,576)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    ‘Moana 2’-led Thanksgiving box office could...

    November 27, 2024

    Largest U.S. sportsbooks join forces to...

    March 28, 2024

    Surging grocery prices have settled down,...

    August 15, 2024
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here