McDonald’s cited the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action
McDonald’s announced it is rolling back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, becoming the latest big corporation—including Walmart and Ford—to do so amid increasing conservative backlash against corporate DEI initiatives.
The company cited the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in universities and the evolving legal landscape, especially with Republican Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
The changes include ending specific hiring targets and pausing participation in external surveys like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
The decision comes after anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck criticized the company; he claimed responsibility for influencing the shift.