PREVIEW

Walmart Rolls Back DEI Policies Amid Conservative Pressure. Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, announced major changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives after facing criticism from conservative activists, AP reports. The company confirmed it would not renew its five-year, $100 million pledge to a racial equity center established in 2020 following George Floyd's death. Walmart will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index, which evaluates workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. The retailer said race and gender would no longer influence supplier contract decisions, emphasizing that it has no quotas and will not gather demographic data for grant eligibility. Walmart pledged to monitor its marketplace for sexual and transgender products aimed at minors and will scrutinize grants to Pride events to ensure no inappropriate content is supported. The rollback reflects the impact of the Supreme Court's 2023 affirmative action ruling and pressure from figures like Robby Starbuck, who has campaigned against corporate DEI policies. Employing 1.6 million workers in the U.S., Walmart is the biggest company to scale back DEI efforts, following similar moves by Ford, Lowe’s, and others. Democratic leaders and DEI advocates have urged companies like Walmart to maintain these programs, citing their importance in fostering equality and opportunity. Walmart has gradually moved away from using "DEI" in communications, favoring "belonging" to foster inclusivity without the controversial connotations of DEI policies. The policy changes align with former President Trump’s criticism of DEI initiatives. His ally, Stephen Miller, leads legal efforts challenging corporate diversity practices.
Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT